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Large volume polymerized haemoglobin solution in a Jehovah's Witness following abruptio placentae
Author(s) -
Cothren C. C.,
Moore E. E.,
Long J. S.,
Haenel J. B.,
Johnson J. L.,
Ciesla D. J.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
transfusion medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1365-3148
pISSN - 0958-7578
DOI - 10.1111/j.0958-7578.2004.00502.x
Subject(s) - witness , medicine , obstetrics , gynecology , philosophy , linguistics
Summary. Severe anaemia, with haemoglobin (Hb) levels ≤3 g dL −1 , is associated with mortality rates of 50–95%. Although accepted transfusion targets have been debated in the literature (Carson et al ., 2002; Practice guidelines for blood component therapy. 1996; Consensus Conference. 1988; Hebert et al ., 1999), few would argue the risks associated with Hb levels less than 5 g dL −1 in critically ill patients. In patients who are unable to receive red blood cell transfusions, the utility of Hb solutions is an attractive solution. We describe a Jehovah's Witness patient who exemplifies the marked physiologic derangements of severe anaemia and subsequent clinical resolution with large volume polymerized human Hb transfusion. The Hb‐based oxygen carrier, PolyHeme®, provided adequate oxygen transport, acting as a bridge until endogenous production could compensate for red cell loss. Practicing physicians need to be aware of current therapeutic options for use in these complicated patients.