Massive Obstetric Hemorrhage in a Jehovah's Witness: Intraoperative Strategies and High-Dose Erythropoietin Use

ABSTRACT

A massive obstetric hemorrhage resulting in an extremely low hematocrit (5.9%) required innovative intraoperative and postoperative management. We used a combination of rapid intraoperative volume replacement, aortic compression, chemical coma, high-dose erythropoietin, and enteral iron replacement to elevate the hematocrit in a patient refusing blood transfusions.

KEYWORDS

Anemia - high-dose erythropoietin - intra-/postoperative management

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