Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • 24 views

    Jehovah Spat Info Booklet

    Uploaded by

    JMC5053
    This document provides information for Jehovah's Witnesses on alternatives to blood transfusions. It discusses two main methods - intra-operative cell salvage which collects and reinfuses a patient's own blood, and acute normovolaemic haemodilution which removes blood before surgery and returns it afterwards. It also outlines some drugs that can prevent or manage blood loss, including tranexamic acid, erythropoietin, aprotinin, and novoseven. The risks and benefits of each alternative are explained.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Jehovah Spat Info Booklet

    Uploaded by

    JMC5053
    24 views4 pages
    This document provides information for Jehovah's Witnesses on alternatives to blood transfusions. It discusses two main methods - intra-operative cell salvage which collects and reinfuses a patient's own blood, and acute normovolaemic haemodilution which removes blood before surgery and returns it afterwards. It also outlines some drugs that can prevent or manage blood loss, including tranexamic acid, erythropoietin, aprotinin, and novoseven. The risks and benefits of each alternative are explained.

    Original Description:

    Explaining the reason Jehovah Witnesses do not take blood.

    Copyright

    © Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)

    Available Formats

    PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    This document provides information for Jehovah's Witnesses on alternatives to blood transfusions. It discusses two main methods - intra-operative cell salvage which collects and reinfuses a patient's own blood, and acute normovolaemic haemodilution which removes blood before surgery and returns it afterwards. It also outlines some drugs that can prevent or manage blood loss, including tranexamic acid, erythropoietin, aprotinin, and novoseven. The risks and benefits of each alternative are explained.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    24 views4 pages

    Jehovah Spat Info Booklet

    Uploaded by

    JMC5053
    This document provides information for Jehovah's Witnesses on alternatives to blood transfusions. It discusses two main methods - intra-operative cell salvage which collects and reinfuses a patient's own blood, and acute normovolaemic haemodilution which removes blood before surgery and returns it afterwards. It also outlines some drugs that can prevent or manage blood loss, including tranexamic acid, erythropoietin, aprotinin, and novoseven. The risks and benefits of each alternative are explained.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 4

    Transfusion Alternatives for Jehovahs Witnesses

    Patient Information Booklet

    St Georges Healthcare NHS Trust St Georges Hospital Blackshaw Road London Tel: 020 8672 1255 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.stgeorges.nhs.uk
    WH/IOL/05

    Job Ref: 9449 Designed and produced by Media Services.

    This information is for Jehovahs Witness and it explains the alternatives to blood transfusions. There are two main methods used as alternatives to transfusions. There are also drugs (medicines) that can be used to prevent / manage blood loss. This booklet tells you about each alternative and explains the safety issues of each one.

    For further information and advice please contact:


    Mark Grumbridge Transfusion Practitioner St Georges Hospital Telephone 020 8725 0607 or call 020 8672 1255 bleep 7574 Kelly Feane Transfusion Practitioner St Georges Hospital Telephone 020 8725 0607

    3. Erythropoietin Erythropoetin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the kidneys. It stimulates the body to produce more red blood cells and is used to treat anaemia. It is widely used as a transfusion alternative. It is usually given by injection between one and three times per week. Side effects of erythropoietin include: I high blood pressure I skin reactions I headaches I bone pain I flu-like symptoms. 4. Aprotinin (Trasylol) Aprotinin is a drug that is given prior to heart surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding and the need for transfusion. Aprotinin is made from tissue taken from cows. There are side effects and risks in receiving Aprotinin I Thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the vein) I Allergic reactions very rare I Blood clot formation. As with all medicines there are risks associated with taking or receiving such drugs. The side effects listed alongside each drug are those which have been reported by patients who have received the medication and listed by the manufacturer as possible side effects. Patients can react differently to medicines and the risks and benefits of each of the listed medicines will be explained by your Consultant or a member of his team.

    Methods used as transfusion alternatives


    1. Intra- operative cell salvage What is cell salvage? Cell salvage is a method of collecting blood loss during an operation and giving it back to the patient. When cell salvage is used, blood that is lost during the operation is collected into a machine (see picture below). This filters and washes the blood to remove any contaminants. The blood can then be given back to the patient during the operation or afterwards. The advantages of this are that the patient is given a transfusion of their own blood. Is it acceptable for Jehovahs Witnesses? This will depend on the views of the individual. Cell Salvage is deemed acceptable by many Jehovahs Witnesses as it does not involve transfusion of blood from an unknown donor. How safe is it? It is a procedure that is now very common in modern healthcare. There have not been any reports of any serious adverse incidents. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued guidelines for its use in the UK and considers it a safe procedure.

    2. Acute Normovolaemic Haemodilution This method is sometimes called bloodless surgery. Before the operation a patients blood is collected into bags. A closed circuit is then set up which involves maintaining the same amount of blood in the system with volume expanders (a type of fluid). At the end of the operation, the blood is allowed to flow back to the patient. This is a complex process and you might find the diagram below helpful.

    Drugs used to prevent / manage blood loss as transfusion alternatives


    The following information covers a few examples of common drugs used as transfusion alternatives. The use of such drugs depends on the type of surgery you will be having and also your current medical condition. Your medical team will talk to you about the use of such medicines and other treatments. 1. Tranexamic Acid (Cyklokapron) This medication is used to prevent heavy bleeding from dental extractions and nose bleeds in particular. It works by increasing clot formation and is useful in stopping severe blood loss during and after surgery. The drug can be given orally (by mouth) or intravenously (by injection). As with any medicine there are side effects. The main side effects of Tranexamic acid are: I nausea I vomiting I diarrhoea 2. Novoseven Novoseven is a blood coagulation (Thickener) factor (ingredient). It works by making the blood clot at the site of bleeding when the bodys own clotting factors are not working. It can be used to treat severe bleeding episodes and to prevent excessive bleeding during surgery. It is usually given by injection. Again as with most drugs, Novoseven can have side effects. Common side effects include: I rash I fever I nausea

    You might also like