[Autologous blood donation in obstetrics].

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the safety of autologous blood donation in an obstetric practice.

METHODS

A total of 2350 pregnant patients were screened for an increased risk of peripartum bleeding. Excluding patients with contraindications, a total of 71 women participated in this autologous blood donation program. Blood was donated in the 35th and 37th weeks of pregnancy.

RESULTS

No problems occurred in the course of blood donation. All newborns were found to be healthy; 41 of the 71 patients received peripartum autologous blood transfusions. Homologous blood was not given to any of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Our experience demonstrates that autologous blood donation is a safe practice in the setting of obstetrics, when the indications and contraindications are considered. Further studies in larger patient populations are necessary to expand or restrict the indications for autologous transfusion in obstetrics.