Caesarean section (C/S) is associated with the risk of excessive blood loss and possible need for transfusion. Therefore there is need to do packed cell volume of parturients before and after the procedure to detect anaemia.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of anaemia and factors influencing intra-operative blood loss in women undergoing elective caesarean section at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).

Methods: This was a prospective observational study. One hundred and four booked parturients who had elective c/s at the UPTH over a period of six months were studied. Anaemia was evaluated by packed cell volume done a day prior to the surgery and two days after. Data analysis was carried out with (SPSS) IBM version 23.0. Chi-square and students t tests were used to compare the groups as appropriate. P value of <0.05 was assumed to be statistically significant.

Results: The mean estimated blood loss (EBL) for the study was 597 +155.9mls. Majority (52%) of the women were between 30-34 years and 95.3% of C/S were done at 37 weeks and above. Twelve women (11.6%) were anaemic before C/S while 57 (54.8%) were anaemic following C/S. The mean EBL for non closure and closure of peritoneum were 573.53 +145.19mls and 641.61 +167.55mls respectively. The mean EBL for blunt and sharp expansion of uterine incisions were 591.18+150.80mls and 900+141.42mls respectively. Only their differences were statistically significant. 

Conclusion: The prevalence of anaemia following elective caesarean section was 54.8%. Blood loss was significantly affected by sharp dissection of uterine incision and closure of peritoneum.

Keywords: Anaemia, Blood loss, Caesarean section, Packed cell volume, Southern Nigeria.

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Dr Nonye-Enyidah Esther I.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital