Use of Human Polymerized Hemoglobin Solution to Augment Acute Normovolemic Hemodilution, Replace Surgical Blood Loss, and Manage Acute Postoperative Blood Loss for a Jehovah's Witness

Abstract

Significant progress has been made in the development of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin solutions for therapeutic use. Religious objection to donor red blood cells in the setting of perioperative blood loss and anemia is one of several potential uses of these products. Here we present a case in which a polymerized hemoglobin solution was used on a compassionate care basis to augment acute normovolemic hemodilution, replace surgical blood loss, and manage postoperative bleeding in a patient requesting complex orthopedic surgery without the use of donor blood products.