Jehovah’s Witness survives severe favism complications: Advance provisions of treatment and new challenges for the physicians

Emergency Care Journal

Sara Capellini¹  Adelaide Conti²  PaolaDelbon³  Francesca Maghin⁴  Maria Lorenza Muiesan⁵  Massimo Salvetti⁵ 

[1] 1Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia;2Centre of Bioethics Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia;Centre of Bioethics Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia;Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia;Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia;

关键词: Hemolytic anemia;    favism;    Jehovah’s Witness;    Glucose-6- Phosphate-Deydrogenase;    blood transfusion;   

DOI  :  10.4081/ecj.2021.9738

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The management of an acute hemolytic event in a patient suffering from favism is based on transfusion support to ensure adequate tissue oxygenation. If this measure could not be pursued, in case of severe anemia the risk of death from multiorgan failure would be relevant. Most of Jehovah’s Witness decline transfusion of whole blood and its main components, even in life-threatening situations. In this context, the treatment of severe anemia in these patients still represents a challenge from both medical and legal stand points. Authors report a case of a Jehovah’s Witness suffering from favism who refused blood transfusion, surviving a severe event of critical anemia associated with acute renal failure, thanks to the application of alternative therapies. It is essential that clinicians know the medico-legal aspects in such situations and are able to act promptly to support the patient’s vital functions, by complying with his/her wishes.

【 授权许可】

Unknown