Severe anemia in the Jehovah's Witness: case report and discussion

Abstract

Major blood loss following trauma is common, but severe anemia is generally not life-threatening when managed with the administration of blood and blood products. Severe anemia becomes particularly challenging and potentially lethal when the patient is a Jehovah's Witness, for whom receiving a transfusion is contrary to religious principles. This case report describes the management and hospital course of a Jehovah's Witness who was seriously injured in an airplane crash.