The study observed patients undergoing elective cesarean section (CS) with antepartum hemorrhage. Researchers used noninvasive, continuous hemoglobin monitoring with Masimo SpHb. The study demonstrated significant positive correlations between SpHb and invasive hemoglobin (Hb) values.
“In patients undergoing CS with antepartum hemorrhage, continuous SpHb through Masimo Pulse CO-Oximetry demonstrated clinically acceptable accuracy of Hb measurement compared with invasive Hb, even at low hemoglobin levels,” the study concluded, according to a news release.
Researchers sought to evaluate whether hemoglobin monitoring might enable a more rapid detection of clinically significant blood loss. This would improve perioperative transfusion practices and allow for the quicker assessment of patient condition. They said it could even potentially reduce “needless transfusions.”
The study enrolled 60 pregnant women between ages 18 and 45 years old. Those patients scheduled elective CS under general anesthesia between April 2016 and December 2017. All subjects registered antepartum hemorrhage and came in as candidates for blood transfusion, Masimo said.
Researchers found significant positive correlations between SpHb and invasive Hb at three points of comparison. That included baseline, pre-transfusion and post-transfusion.
“Continuous SpHb Masimo Pulse CO-Oximetry shows an appropriate clinically reliable Hb calculation in comparison to Invasive Hb even in patients undergoing CS with low hemoglobin,” the investigators said. “Further studies are needed on larger sample size with multicenter collaboration. Furthermore, we recommend the assessment of this technique on patients with common morbidities, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.”
Researchers also said SpHb could offer additional benefits. Those include patient comfort, increased safety and decreased complexity for healthcare staff, Masimo said. It also eliminates exposure to the risks of needle-stick injury and bloodspill contamination.
