International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2016
Observational StudyPreferences of Jehovah's Witnesses regarding haematological supports in an obstetric setting: experience of a single university teaching hospital.
Jehovah's Witnesses have been shown to be at increased risk of mortality and morbidity as a consequence of obstetric haemorrhage and refusal of blood products. Since 2004, however, Jehovah's Witnesses have been allowed to accept minor fractions of blood at their own discretion. We sought to determine the preferences of pregnant Jehovah's Witnesses regarding haematological supports since this policy change. ⋯ The spectrum of acceptance of blood products is wide ranging within our obstetric Jehovah's Witnesses population. Recombinant factors are not universally acceptable despite their identification as non-blood products. A multidisciplinary approach with individualized consent is recommended.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2016
The extension of epidural blockade for emergency caesarean section: a survey of Scandinavian practice.
Little is known about drugs and safety precautions used during epidural top-ups for emergency caesarean section in Scandinavia. We surveyed Scandinavian practice of epidural top-up regimens for emergency caesarean sections. ⋯ Epidural top-ups for emergency caesarean section in Scandinavia are used frequently but normally performed in the operating theatre. Drugs used differ greatly between countries and departments although top-up volumes appear similar. During transport, available equipment and drugs were limited. Best practice guidelines and national guidelines present little information on epidural top-ups that could explain the variation found.