The influence of hematological profiles on the transfusion management and mortality risk of mothers presenting to the obstetric unit of a South African tertiary medical facility.

Adolescence, anemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia expose mothers to a high risk for transfusion and/or mortality. These risk factors should promptly trigger management and referral of patients. Presenting hematological profiles are strong predictors of maternal outcome and transfusion risk.