Managing suspected myasthenia gravis and myositis induced by pembrolizumab in a Jehovah's Witness sarcoma patient.

INTRODUCTION: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can cause a spectrum of adverse events known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that resemble autoimmune responses. Immune-mediated myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare and serious neurologic adverse event that has been associated with ICIs requiring prompt treatment. In the Jehovah's Witness population, typical management of these adverse events may not be options, and alternative treatment choices would be needed. CASE REPORT: 73-year-old Jehovah's Witness patient with high-grade undifferentiated pleiomorphic sarcoma who developed immune-mediated MG approximately 4 weeks after initiation of pembrolizumab. On the day of admission, the patient presented with a three-day history of worsening ptosis, right greater than left. He was later found to be seronegative for MG. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME: The patient required therapy with pyridostigmine, steroids, and agreed to plasma exchange (PLEX) prior to discharge. He achieved near resolution of his neurologic symptoms, and pembrolizumab was discontinued. He later underwent radical resection of the left thigh soft tissue sarcoma and superficial inguinal lymph node dissection. He is now on active surveillance. DISCUSSION: While neurologic adverse events typically present 6 weeks after initiation of ICIs, MG has been reported occurring as early as 4 weeks after initiation. This rare and serious adverse event requires prompt treatment, and clinicians need to be aware of the alternative treatment options in this unique patient population. Early conversations regarding blood products and factions must be had to develop a treatment plan in accordance with the patient's personal decisions.

Minimally Invasive Approach versus Sternotomy for Cardiac Surgery in Jehovah's Witness Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) compared with the sternotomy approach for Jehovah's Witness (JW) patients who cannot receive blood transfusions DESIGN: This was a retrospective observational study. SETTING: The study was conducted at a specialized cardiovascular intervention and surgery institute. PARTICIPANTS: The study cohort comprised JW patients undergoing cardiac surgery between September 2016 and July 2022. INTERVENTIONS: None MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients (n = 63) were divided into MICS (n = 19) and sternotomy (n = 44) groups, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. There was no difference in types of operation except coronary bypass grafting (n = 1 [5.3%] in the MICS group v n = 20 [45.5%] in the sternotomy group; p = 0.005). There were no between-group differences in early mortality and morbidities. Overall survival did not differ significantly during the follow-up period (mean, 43.9 ± 24.4 months). The amount of chest tube drainage was significantly lower in the MICS group on the first postoperative day (mean, 224.0 ± 122.7 mL v 334.0 ± 187.0 mL in the sternotomy group; p = 0.022). The mean hemoglobin level was significantly higher in the MICS group on the day of operation (11.7 ± 1.3 mg/dL v 10.6 ± 2.0 mg/dL in the sternotomy group; p = 0.042) and the first postoperative day (12.3 ± 1.8 mg/dL v 11.2 ± 1.9 mg/dL; p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: MICS for JW patients showed favorable early outcomes and mid-term survival compared to conventional sternotomy. MICS may be a viable option for JW patients who decline blood transfusions.

Arguments for a ban on pediatric intersex surgery: A dis/analogy with Jehovah witness blood transfusion.

This article argues for a ban on the performance of medically unnecessary genital normalizing surgeries as part of assigning a binary sex/gender to infants with intersex conditions on the basis of autonomy, regardless of etiology. It does this via a dis/analogy with the classic case in bioethics of Jehovah Witness (JW) parents' inability to refuse life-saving blood transfusions for their minor children. Both cases address ethical medical practice in situations where parents are making irreversible medical decisions on the basis of values strongly held, identity, and relationship-shaping values-such as religious beliefs or beliefs regarding the inherent value of binary sex/gender-amidst ethical pluralism. Furthermore, it takes seriously-as we must in the intersex case-that the restriction of parents' right to choose will likely result in serious harms to potentially large percentage of patients, their families, and their larger communities. I address the objection that parents' capacity to choose is restricted in the JW case on the basis of the harm principle or a duty to nonmaleficence, given that the result of parent choice would be death. I provide evidence that this is mistaken from how we treat epistemic uncertainty in the JW case and from cases in which clinicians are ethically obligated to restrict the autonomy of nonminor patients. I conclude that we restrict the parents' right to choose in the JW case-and should in the case of pediatric intersex surgery-to secure patient's future autonomy.

Obstetric outcomes in Jehovah's Witnesses: case series over nine years in a London teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to assess obstetric and fetal outcomes of Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs) mothers in an inner city teaching hospital, as well as to examine the acceptance rates of various blood fractions and blood transfusion alternatives. METHODS: Case series to evaluate the maternal and fetal outcomes of JWs over a nine period between 2013 and 2021. RESULTS: There were 146 pregnancies extracted from our database, of which 10 were early pregnancy losses. Data from 136 deliveries > 24 weeks' gestation were assessed, with a mean maternal age and gestational age of 30.26 (± 5.4) years and 38.7 (± 5.3) weeks, respectively. 57% had normal vaginal deliveries, 8% had instrumental births and 35% had caesarean births. Mean estimated blood loss at caesarean was 575 (± 305.6) mls, while the overall mean estimated loss was 427.8 (± 299.8) mls. Cell salvage was performed in all caesarean sections but autologous transfusion was only necessary for 26%. Consultant presence was documented in 62% of caesarean births. The mean birthweight and 5-min Apgar scores were 3.31 (± 0.05) kg and 9.1 (± 0.09), respectively. There were no maternal deaths or admissions to the adult intensive care unit and the most serious complication was a uterine rupture following a trial of scar, after which the baby required cooling for hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant JWs received obstetric care led by senior clinicians, with optimisation of haematinics, minimizing of blood loss at delivery and access to technology such as cell salvage.

Cultural competences among future nurses and midwives: a case of attitudes toward Jehovah's witnesses' stance on blood transfusion.

BACKGROUND: Transcultural nursing recognises the significance of cultural backgrounds in providing patients with quality care. This study investigates the opinions of master's students in nursing and midwifery regarding the attitudes of Jehovah's Witnesses towards refusing blood transfusions. METHODS: 349 master's students in nursing and midwifery participated in a quantitative study and were surveyed via the Web to evaluate their awareness of the stance of Jehovah's Witnesses on blood transfusions and the ethical and legal dilemmas associated with caring for Jehovah's Witness (JW) patients. RESULTS: The study yielded three significant findings. It unequivocally demonstrates that nursing and midwifery students possess inadequate knowledge regarding Jehovah's Witnesses' stance on blood transfusions and their acceptance of specific blood products and medical procedures. Despite being cognisant of the ethical and legal dilemmas of caring for JW patients, students lack an understanding of patients' autonomy to reject blood transfusions and their need for bloodless medicine. Students also articulated educational needs regarding cultural competencies regarding the Jehovah's Witnesses' beliefs on blood transfusions and non-blood management techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals need the knowledge and skills necessary to provide holistic, patient-centred and culturally sensitive care. This study emphasises the urgent need for university curricula and nursing postgraduate training to include modules on transcultural nursing and strategies for minimising blood loss.

Bloodless Total Hip Arthroplasty in Jehovah's Witness Patients: Contemporary Strategies and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Reported blood transfusion rates in total hip arthroplasty (THA) range between 3 and 22%. Jehovah's Witnesses (JW) do not accept blood transfusions and make conscience decisions to accept blood derivatives. This study reports on strategies and outcomes for bloodless THA. METHODS: All JW patients undergoing primary THA at our institution between 2011 and 2022 were included in this study (94 of 110 THA). The indications for THA were osteoarthritis (92%), femoral neck fracture (6%), rheumatoid arthritis (1%), and failed open reduction and internal fixation (1%). Strategies used to optimize outcomes included erythropoietin, tranexamic acid (TXA), cell savers, intra-iliac artery tourniquets, and minimizing phlebotomy. RESULTS: The mean estimated blood loss was 201.2 ± 122.2 ml. Preoperative hemoglobin (Hgb) levels were 13.4 ± 1.4 g/dl, which decreased to 11.0 ± 1.3 g/dl on postoperative day 1 (POD1, P < 0.001), 10.3 ± 1.5 g/dl on POD2 (P = 0.001), and 9.8 ± 1.1 g/dl on POD3 (P = 0.171). The use of TXA significantly decreased Hgb on POD1 (P = 0.04). Subgroup analysis showed that preoperatively anemic patients (Hgb < 12 g/dl) had significantly less Hgb drop postoperatively (P = 0.003). No patients met the recommended transfusion threshold (Hgb < 7 g/dl). There were two 90-day readmissions due to falls. There was zero 90-day mortality. CONCLUSION: A THA can be safely performed on JW patients. Preoperatively anemic patients had a decreased Hgb drop postoperatively. JW patients make a conscious decision to accept blood derivatives, which may be present in medications including erythropoietin. Cell savers can be utilized when anticipating intraoperative blood loss greater than 500 mL. We recommend maintaining a Hgb above 11 g/dl prior to surgery, as a Hgb drop of 3.1 g/dl can be expected. These findings highlight the efficacy of a multimodal approach to optimizing bloodless primary THAs.

Tranexamic Acid Led to Improved Safety of Total Knee Arthroplasty in Jehovah's Witness Patients: A Multicentered Matched Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the safety of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in Jehovah's Witness patients compared to non-Jehovah's Witness patients using standard perioperative TKA protocols and assess the role of tranexamic acid (TXA) in managing blood loss in this population. METHODS: Patients undergoing TKA between 2011 and 2021 at 2 tertiary academic centers were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, preoperative and postoperative hematologic laboratory values, intraoperative TXA use, 90-day postoperative complications, and subsequent revisions were collected. These variables were then compared between propensity score-matched cohorts at a 2:1 ratio of those who did not identify as Jehovah's Witness to those who did. Regression analysis was used to determine the effect of intraoperative TXA on hemoglobin (hgb) shift. RESULTS: After applying exclusion criteria and matching, the TKA outcomes of 316 non-Jehovah's Witness patients and 152 Jehovah's Witness patients were analyzed. Univariate analysis suggested that non-Jehovah's Witness patients and Jehovah's Witness patients had similar preoperative and postoperative hgb, hgb shift, and hematocrit. Only 1 (0.8%) Jehovah's Witness patient reached an hgb < 8.0 mg/dL postoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression suggested that Jehovah's Witness patients did not have increased odds of reaching an hgb < 8.0 mg/dL (odds ratio = 0.99 [0.96, 1.02]; P = 0.42). Multivariate linear regression suggested that intraoperative TXA was positively correlated with hgb shift and thus a smaller decrease in hgb from pre-TKA to post-TKA (ß = 0.38 [0.06, 0.69]; P = 0.02). Additionally, Jehovah's Witness patients had excellent revision-free (95% [91, 99]) and infection-free (98% [95, 100]) survival at 8 years. CONCLUSIONS: Standard perioperative TKA protocols are safe for Jehovah's Witness patients who do not have the need for transfusion, especially with appropriate preoperative hgb levels and the use of intraoperative TXA. Furthermore, these patients have excellent survivorship at 5 and 8 years of follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Outcomes associated with absent blood product utilization in Jehovah's witness patients compared to the standard of care in cardiac surgery: A ten-year experience.

INTRODUCTION: For Jehovah's Witness (JW) patients requiring cardiac surgery, various strategies such as preoperative use of erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs), intravenous iron (IVI), and non-pharmacologic interventions have emerged to prevent complications from blood loss given transfusion is not acceptable in this population. METHODS: Retrospective case-control of cardiac surgeries performed by the same surgeon between 1/1/2011 and 8/30/2021. JW patients were matched to non-JW who received blood products and non-JW who did not receive blood products on a 1:2:2 basis. Patients were matched on procedure, age, gender, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons morbidity score. Eligible patients were aged >18 years and had a sternotomy procedure. The primary efficacy and safety outcomes included mean hematocrit values perioperatively and thrombotic events. RESULTS: A total of 27 JW, 52 non-JW transfused, and 53 non-JW not transfused patients were included in the analysis. JW patients had significantly higher mean hematocrits at every time point when compared to non-JW transfused patients and at all time points except clinic and the last recorded operating room value when compared to non-JW not transfused patients. No significant differences in thrombotic rates were found between groups, however there was a numerically higher incidence in the JW population (JW: 7.4%; non-JW transfused: 0%; non-JW not transfused: 1.9%; p = .106). CONCLUSION: A blood conservation protocol in a JW population was associated with higher perioperative hematocrit values when compared to matched controls. Further prospective study is warranted before applying similar protocols to other populations given the possibility for an increased rate of venous thromboembolism.

Therapeutic modalities in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura management among Jehovah's Witness patients: A review of reported cases.

INTRODUCTION: Devout members of the Jehovah's Witness faith flatly refuse transfusions of white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. The latter agent is a mainstay in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Alternative treatment options for Jehovah's Witness patients are needed and reviewed herein. METHODS: Cases of TTP treatment among Jehovah's Witnesses were obtained from the published literature. Key baseline and clinical data were extracted and summarized. RESULTS: A total of 13 reports spanning a 23-year period and 15 TTP episodes were identified. Median (IQR) age was 45.5 (29.0-57.5) and 12/13 (93%) patients were female. Neurologic symptoms were present in 7/15 (47%) episodes at presentation. Disease confirmation with ADAMTS13 testing was present in 11/15 (73%) of episodes. Corticosteroids and rituximab were employed in 13/15 (87%) and 12/15 (80%) of cases, respectively, with apheresis-based therapy employed in 9/15 (60%) episodes. For eligible cases, caplacizumab was used in 4/5 (80%) episodes; average time to platelet response was shortest in these cases. Sources of exogenous ADAMTS13 accepted by patients in this series included cryo-poor plasma, FVIII concentrate, and cryoprecipitate. CONCLUSIONS: Successful management of TTP within the boundaries of the Jehovah's Witness faith is possible.

Perioperative management of patients declining transfusions of blood components-National survey of anaesthesiologists, abdominal surgeons and obstetricians in Denmark.

Perioperative management of patients declining transfusions of blood products can be challenging both ethically and clinically. Jehovah's Witnesses (JW) decline treatment with blood products and have published a list of interventions they might accept as substitutes. No detailed documentation of available substitute interventions at Danish hospitals exists. Likewise, no national guidelines exist on how to optimise patients who refuse to receive treatment with blood products. The primary aim was to investigate which treatments are currently available to healthcare professionals in Denmark when treating patients who refuse transfusion of blood components. Additionally, we wanted to investigate how many departments have local guidelines for treatment for this group of patients. Based on our findings we would suggest potential improvements in the treatment of patients declining transfusion of blood components. Consultants from Danish departments of anaesthesiology, abdominal surgery and obstetrics were invited to participate in a nationwide cross-sectional online survey. The questionnaire explored available interventions offered perioperatively. Respondents were all on-call consultants. The questionnaire underwent content, face and technical validation during pilot testing. Ninety-six of 108 (89%) respondents from 55 departments completed the questionnaire. Thirty-five (36%) respondents reported having a departmental guideline mostly dealing with judicial aspects regarding patients declining transfusions with blood, and 34 (35%) would in collaboration with other professionals make an interdisciplinary strategy for patients declining transfusions with blood. For patients declining treatment with blood products in anticoagulant treatment, and hence with a greater risk of bleeding, reverting treatment is essential. Depending on the type of anticoagulant, between 31 (32%) and 59 (60%) of respondents reported locally available guidelines for reverting anticoagulant treatments. We found a considerable variation and limited availability of interventions to minimise blood loss in patients declining transfusion of blood components. This scarcity of local guidelines together with the considerable variation of available treatment documented in our survey could possibly be enhanced by a lack of national guidelines.

Severe Acute Blood Loss Anemia in Jehovah's Witnesses Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: Single Academic Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of severe acute blood loss anemia (ABLA) on postoperative outcomes in Jehovah's Witness (JW) patients undergoing cardiac surgery. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of adult JW patients undergoing cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) between January 1998 and December 2018 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. SETTING: At a single tertiary academic center. PARTICIPANTS: Patients who were JWs undergoing cardiac surgery requiring CPB. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were divided into the following 2 groups: JW patients who developed severe ABLA (defined as postoperative hematocrit level <21), and patients who did not develop severe ABLA. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 48 JW patients who underwent cardiac surgery between 2008 and 2018 were identified. Of these patients, 9 (18.8%) developed postoperative severe ABLA, and 39 (81.3%) did not. Severe ABLA was associated with increased postoperative mortality at 30-days, 90-days, and 1-year postoperatively, and a trend toward increased hospital length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Severe ABLA after cardiac surgery was associated with higher mortality and a trend toward increased hospital length of stay among JW patients. More data are required to confirm the findings.

Cardiac Surgery in Jehovah's Witnesses: 329 Consecutive Cases.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the outcome of Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs) undergoing cardiac surgery at the authors' center. DESIGN: A single-center retrospective cohort study. SETTING: At a cardiovascular center with a tertiary intensive care unit (ICU) and specific experience with cardiac surgery in JWs. The institutional protocol describing all perioperative care in JWs has been applied for 21 years. PARTICIPANTS: All JWs undergoing cardiac surgery in the Amphia Hospital from January 1, 2001 to January 31, 2022. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 329 JWs undergoing cardiac surgery. Twenty-three patients (6.8%) were treated preoperatively for anemia. The mean European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score was 5.1 (range 0-18). Coronary artery bypass grafting (53.2%) was performed most frequently, followed by aortic valve replacement (13.4%). Mean preoperative hemoglobin levels were 14.5 g/dL (range 9.8-18.5 g/dL), dropping to 11.6 g/dL (range 6.6-15.6 g/dL) at hospital discharge. Mean blood loss was 439 ± 349 mL in the first 12 hours postsurgery. Maximum mean postoperative troponin levels were 431 ± 424 ng/L. Resternotomy and postoperative myocardial infarction occurred in 3.6% and 4.2% of patients, respectively. On average, patients had an ICU stay of 1.4 ± 1.8 days and a hospital stay of 6.8 ± 4.2 days. Hospital mortality was 0.6% and was related to cardiac failure. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that cardiac surgery in JWs is safe when adhering to a strict perioperative patient blood management protocol.

Comprehensive management of Jehovah's Witness in pregnancy.

Jehovah's Witness (JW) is a denomination of Christianity which has many-fold higher morbidity and mortality compared to the general population as they refuse blood transfusion. Information is scanty regarding guidelines on the optimal approach to pregnant ladies of JW faith. In this review we have attempted to analyse the ways and techniques available which can be used to reduce the morbidity and mortality of these women. In antenatal care, haematological status can be optimised to reduce modifiable risk factors, namely anaemia by parenteral iron therapy from the second trimester onwards especially in patients who do not respond to oral iron therapy. In severe cases, erythropoietin serves as an effective alternative to blood transfusion. During the intrapartum period, using antifibrinolytics, cell salvage, bloodless surgical techniques, and uterine cooling for patients undergoing caesarean delivery have been proven effective. To conclude, complications of pregnant JW patients may be reduced if they comply with the preventives and targeted monitoring during the various phases of pregnancy. Further studies are warranted as this population exists as a minor group but is growing worldwide.

Jehovah's witness head and neck free flap reconstruction patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Jehovah's Witnesses are members of a Christian religious denomination that rejects the transfusion of whole blood and component blood products. Given new transfusion-free strategies, Jehovah's Witness patients are undergoing free flap reconstructions with increased regularity. However, outcome data remains limited. With this study, we sought to examine post-operative outcomes in Jehovah's Witness patients undergoing free flap reconstruction of the head and neck, compare their outcomes to non-Jehovah's Witness patients, and enumerate strategies to enhance the safety of transfusion-free surgery. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was carried out on 10 patients who identified as Jehovah's Witness and 63 patients who did not. Demographic information, pre-operative laboratory values, peri-operative resuscitative interventions, and peri-operative outcome measures were compiled. Descriptive data analysis, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square tests, and multivariate analysis were used. RESULTS: Jehovah's Witness patients were significantly older than non-Jehovah's Witness patients (p = 0.03) and had significantly higher ASA scores (p = 0.009). Head and neck cancer was the primary surgical indication in both groups (p = 0.71). Jehovah's witness patients have significantly less intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.011) and lower post-operative hemoglobin (p = 0.002) compared to non-Jehovah's Witness patients. While Jehovah's Witness patients had significantly higher rates of severe anemia (p = 0.014), there was no significant difference between the two groups in other post-operative complications and readmission rates even in a multivariate analysis accounting for age and ASA score. CONCLUSIONS: Free flap microvascular reconstruction can be reliably performed on Jehovah's Witness head and neck patients without an increased risk of complication. Policies such as the use of non-blood volume expanders, albumin, Epogen, perioperative iron supplementation, cell saver and acute normovolemic hemodilution are key to ensuring good outcomes.

What Happens to Those Who Exit Jehovah's Witnesses: An Investigation of the Impact of Shunning.

Shunning and ostracism have severe impacts on individuals' psychological and social well-being. Members of Jehovah's Witnesses are subject to shunning when they do not comply with the stated doctrine or belief system. To investigate the effects of shunning, interviews with 10 former Jehovah's Witnesses, ranging in age from 20 to 44 years old, were conducted; six male, six White, one Native American, one Black, and two Latinx. Transcripts were analyzed with interpretative phenomenological analysis for narrative themes pertaining to their life after exclusion from their former faith using the context of Jehovah's Witnesses culture. Results suggest shunning has a long-term, detrimental effect on mental health, job possibilities, and life satisfaction. Problems are amplified in female former members due to heavy themes of sexism and patriarchal narratives pervasive in Jehovah's Witnesses culture. Feelings of loneliness, loss of control, and worthlessness are also common after leaving. The culture of informing on other members inside the Jehovah's Witnesses also leads to a continued sense of distrust and suspicion long after leaving.

Safety and feasibility of urological procedures in Jehovah's Witness patients.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the safety and feasibility of urological transfusion-free surgeries in Jehovah's Witness patients. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved, retrospective review of Jehovah's Witness patients who underwent urological transfusion-free surgeries between 2003 and 2019 was carried out. Surgeries were stratified into low, intermediate and high risk based on complexity, invasiveness and bleeding potential. Patient demographics, perioperative data and clinical outcomes are reported. RESULTS: A total of 161 Jehovah's Witness patients (median age 63.4 years) underwent 171 transfusion-free surgeries, including 57 (33.3%) in low-, 82 (47.9%) in intermediate- and 32 (18.8%) in high-risk categories. The mean estimated blood loss increased with risk category at 48 mL (range 10-50 mL), 150 mL (range 50-200 mL) and 388 mL (range 137-500 mL), respectively (P < 0.001). Implementing blood augmentation and conservation techniques increased with each risk category (3.5% vs 29% vs 69%, respectively; P < 0.001). Average length of stay increased concordantly at 1.6 days (range 0-12 days), 2.9 days (range 1-13 days) and 5.6 days (range 2-12 days), respectively (P ≤ 0.001). However, there was no increase in complication rates and readmission rates attributed to bleeding among the risk categories at 30 days (P = 0.9 and 0.4, respectively) and 90 days (P = 0.7 and 0.7, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Transfusion free urological surgery can be safely carried out on Jehovah's Witness patients using contemporary perioperative optimization. Additionally, these techniques can be expanded for use in the general patient population to avoid short- and long-term consequences of perioperative blood transfusion.

Use of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate for microvascular decompression in a Jehovah's witness patient.

OBJECTIVE: We report the application of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) in microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery for a Jehovah's Witness patient. To our best knowledge, this is the first case wherein n-BCA has been employed as an adhesive to the offending artery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old female Jehovah's Witness patient was suffering from serious right hemifacial spasm. Although MVD surgery was needed, the patient resisted any curative medical treatment involving the application of whole blood products, including fibrin glue. Thus, we proposed several choices using artificial materials, including n-BCA as an adhesive, and received informed consent from the patient. RESULT: MVD was performed on the dolichoectatic right vertebral artery and right posterior inferior cerebellar artery. The abnormal vessel response disappeared during the procedure and transposition using n-BCA of the concerned vessels was successful. The patient experienced a favorable postoperative clinical course and has been free from the spasm for a year. No abnormal findings were detected in the radiological examination during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Although careful follow-up is mandatory, n-BCA is a possible alternative option in MVD surgery.

Operating on Jehovah's Witnesses: A Challenging Surgical Issue.

Blood transfusion is often utilized in surgery. Greece is the second-highest consumer of blood components in Europe. It has been shown that at least half of all transfusions are unnecessary and could be avoided. Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs) are a Christian religion that do not accept transfusion of whole blood or the four primary components of blood-namely, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. This a retrospective study from September of 2015 to January of 2018, analyzing all JWs who underwent an elective operation at the Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery in Laiko University Hospital. Twenty-nine (Rogers et al. in NCCN Guidelines Version 2.2014 Cancer- and Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Fort Washington, 2013) JW patients, 23 females (74.1%) and eight males, were operated on during the aforementioned period. The median ASA score was 1 (range 1-3), and only two of the patients needed postoperative monitoring in the ICU. Almost half of the patients (45.1%) needed iron infusion and EPO injection preoperatively. Two patients presented with postoperative complications, with no postoperative deaths. In conclusion, we found that surgery, in our small group of JW patients, was safe and successful despite the lack of blood transfusion. Techniques developed to treat JW patients should be more widely used to improve clinical outcomes and reduce costs to the healthcare system.

Grieving the Living: The Social Death of Former Jehovah's Witnesses.

Addressing a relative lack of research investigating the experiences of individuals who have left the Jehovah's Witnesses (JW), this research utilizes a social identity approach to examine qualitatively, the process of transitioning towards post-JW life, experiences of ostracism and perceived threats to self-identity. Semi-structured interviews were carried out in the homes of six former JWs, and transcripts were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Narratives suggest that experiences of ostracism following religious exit can be associated with diminished mental health, while having a sense of agency and establishing new (online) social connections may help mitigate adverse consequences. Implications and future research directions are discussed.

Physician autonomy and patient rights: lessons from an enforced blood transfusion and the role of patient blood management.

This article provides an ethical and medico-legal analysis of ruling no. 465 of 30 May 2018 issued by the Court of Termini Imerese (Palermo) and confirmed on appeal on 11 November 2020, which, in the absence of similar historical precedents in Europe, convicted a medical doctor of a crime of violent assault for having ordered the administration of a blood transfusion to a patient specifically declining blood transfusion on religious grounds. We analyse the Court's decision regarding the identification of assault in performing the blood transfusion and its decision not to accept exculpatory urgent 'necessity' as a defence. In addition, we present an updated revision of the current standard of care in transfusion medicine as well as the ethical principles governing the patient's declining of transfusion. In doing so, we highlight that respect for the patient's self-determination in declining transfusions and respect for the professional autonomy of the doctor protecting the safety and life of the patient could be equally satisfied by applying the current peer-reviewed evidence.