Anemia Secondary to Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Requiring Blood Transfusion in the Reproductive Age Group-A...

Women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is reported in 10-30% of women and is a significant cause of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), with long-term effects on women's quality of life. This retrospective study looked at the underlying causes of AUB and the contributory factors that required blood transfusions.

This study aimed to identify the treatable causes of AUB in patients who needed blood transfusion and parenteral iron in the reproductive age group and provide appropriate treatment to these underlying pathologies.

A retrospective study was conducted in reproductive age group women with anemia due to AUB over a period of 10 years from January 2013 to December 2022. All women with significant uterine bleeding, who required blood transfusion were included in this study. Women with pregnancy, and hemolytic anemia, were excluded from the study.

During the study period 266 women needed blood transfusion for AUB. The mean age was 37.66 ± 11.4 years, mean parity 3, mean body mass index (BMI): 29.4 ± 8.9 kg/m², and most reported regular cycles. The most common etiology of AUB was uterine fibroids in 37.9% followed by ovulatory dysfunction in 15%. The mean hemoglobin was at 5.7 ± 1.14 gm/L, mean ferritin was 11.01 ± 21.88 ng/mL, mean number of blood transfusion was 2.83 ± 1.2 at first presentation and about 24% needed further transfusions. About 70% of them preferred oral hormonal treatment. Surgical management was required in about 35% of patients.

The main cause of AUB was leiomyoma and anovulation. The morbidity of blood transfusion was easily avoidable in these women.