Indications and Effects of Exchange Transfusion in Adults in Gynaecology and Obstetrics

Abstract

A study is presented of the indications and effects of exchange transfusion in gynaecology and obstetrics. The investigation includes a detailed study of 50 consecutive patients who on admission had a haemoglobin level below 4.4 g./ 100 ml. (30%). These patients were assigned by the method of random sampling to receive either an exchange transfusion or a slow packed-cell transfusion. In no case was the cardiac function, clotting mechanism, or electrolyte balance in any way impaired, nor was there any evidence of citrate toxicity. Subsequent exchange transfusion of a further 31 patients lends support to our finding that exchange transfusion is a safe procedure, the indications for which have been discussed. Thus exchange transfusion is of great value to the woman in anaemic cardiac failure, and to the severely anaemic patient who is pregnant, is approaching delivery, or requires an urgent gynaecological or obstetrical operation. © 1966, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.