Effect of Placental Drainage of Fetal Blood at Cesarean Section on the Incidence of Feto-Maternal Transfusion

Effect of Placental Drainage of Fetal Blood at Cesarean Section on the Incidence of Feto-Maternal Transfusion: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Study hypothesis: umbilical cord drainage of fetal blood after delivery of the infant would reduce the incidence of feto-maternal transfusion. Patients were randomized to placental drainage or no drainage at the time of cesarean section. The incidence of fetal to maternal transfusion was noted postoperatively.

86 patients were randomized to placental drainage vs. no drainage of fetal blood at the time of cesarean section. Kleihauer-Betke testing was performed within 12 hours postoperatively to assess the incidence of feto-maternal transfusion. A significant difference was found between the two groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All women undergoing cesarean section

Exclusion Criteria:

• Preoperative Kleihauer-Betke, known antepartum erythrocyte sensitization, overt vaginal bleeding, history of a previous delivery by low vertical cesarean section, prolonged rupture of membranes, twin gestation, failure to obtain both preoperative and postoperative Kleihauer-Betke tests.