Heart, lung & circulation
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Heart, lung & circulation · Nov 2010
Comparative StudyComparison of outcome in Jehovah's Witness patients in cardiac surgery: an Australian experience.
Despite the advances in modern medicine, cardiac surgery remains associated with significant amounts of blood transfusion and is responsible for nearly 20% of all transfusions in Australasia. Progressive advances in perfusion technology and perioperative supportive management have made it possible for members of the Jehovah's Witnesses (JW) religious group to undergo open cardiac operations with remarkable safety. This study systematically compares the operative mortality and early clinical outcome after cardiac surgery in JWs. ⋯ This study concurs with the international published data that outcomes for JW patients who undergo cardiac surgery are similar to those who receive transfusion. Every appropriate opportunity to reduce the use of allogeneic blood products.