Abstract
Polytrauma involving traumatic brain injury poses serious threats like hemorrhagic
shock and consumption coagulopathy. Blood and blood components are a necessity for
maintenance of homeostasis in these patients. Elizabeth Topley and R. Clarke, in their
study, demonstrated a considerable drop in red cell volume following a major trauma,
nearly 11% in the next 14 days. Use of extensive perioperative blood salvage techniques,
recombinant erythropoietin, iron complex injections, and antifibrinolytic agents cannot
replace the benefits of blood and blood component transfusion. The real challenge
of blood transfusion arises in Jehovah's Witness (JW) patients where a licensed medical
practitioner (LMP) is caught in the loop of protecting the sanctity of faith over
saving a patient's life. This case report highlights the successful management of
a 19-year-old JW patient without transfusion of blood or blood products despite an
absolute indication for transfusion. We also discuss the legal and ethical perspectives
necessary for a legal medical practitioner, when treating patients of JW faith.
Keywords
Jehovah's witness - polytrauma - blood transfusion
