Risk factors for peripartum blood transfusion in South Africa: a case-control study.

Background: Obstetric hemorrhage (OH) and access to peripartum blood transfusion remains a global health challenge. The rates of peripartum transfusion in South Africa exceed those in high-income countries despite comparable rates of OH. We sought to evaluate factors associated with peripartum transfusion.

A clinical audit of the utilisation of red cell products in elective total hip replacement surgery.

Background: Previous studies have documented a marked variation in transfusion practice for total hip replacement (THR) surgery.

Objective: To audit red cell product utilisation for THR at two Western Cape tertiary referral hospitals (HY and HG).

Methods: The folders of 207 consecutive patients undergoing elective THR surgery from January 2013 to December 2013 were reviewed.