Current opinion in hematology
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Curr. Opin. Hematol. · Nov 2019
ReviewTransfusion support and alternatives for Jehovah's Witness patients.
Jehovah's Witness patients with critical anemia or undergoing major surgery are challenging for healthcare providers to manage, as most will decline transfusion of whole blood and its main components. Recent advances in our understanding of hemostatic agents, alternative hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers, and patient blood management have culminated in a complex array of options to manage critical anemia and bleeding in this patient population. ⋯ Options and alternatives to manage the Jehovah's Witness patient in the perioperative setting or in the setting of critical anemia will be reviewed.