Relationship between visually estimated blood loss at delivery and postpartum change in haematocrit

This study was to assess blood loss using visual estimation and change in postpartum haematocrit value following vaginal delivery, and to study any relationship that may exist. A total of 152 parturients who had had vaginal delivery were studied. Blood loss at delivery was visually estimated. An intrapartum haematocrit with a 48 h postpartum haematocrit were evaluated. Data were analysed with SPSS 15 statistical package. The average visual estimation of blood loss (VEBL) was 217 +/- 197 ml with a I degrees PPH rate of 6.6%. Some 93 (61.2%) mothers had a blood loss of < or = 200 ml. There was no statistical significant difference in the average VEBL within the age or parity groups of the mothers (p values, 0.234 and 0.87). The average postpartum haematocrit change was -0.74 +/- 3.99, while 46.7% of the parturients had a decline in haematocrit value. The range of haematocrit change for parturients with VEBL > or = 500 ml was -12 to -4. Regression analysis showed a negative correlation between VEBL and change in haematocrit values from positive to negative. Pearson's correlation coefficient -0.549, p < 0.00. It was concluded that postpartum haematocrit has a significant negative non-linear correlation with VEBL. In the absence of primary postpartum haemorrhage, majority of women have either the same or an increased haematocrit following vaginal delivery. Consequently, routine haematocrit estimation in parturients with visual estimated blood loss of <500 ml barely confers any cost benefit.