Discussões sobre bioética, direito penal e pacientes testemunhas de Jeová / Discussions on bioethics, criminal law, and Jehovah's witness patients / Debates sobre bioética, derecho penal y pacientes testigos de Jehová

Resumo Este estudo tem como finalidade refletir sobre os aspectos bioéticos e jurídicos implicados na relação médico-paciente testemunha de Jeová. Para isso, o trabalho abordará, inicialmente, a relação médico-paciente diante dos impasses terapêuticos desse grupo de pacientes, estudando essa relação do ponto de vista histórico e elucidando os pontos acerca dos pacientes adeptos à religião. Em seguida, abordar-se-ão os princípios bioéticos envolvidos no cuidado do paciente testemunha de Jeová, discutindo cada princípio e sua incorporação ao atendimento desse grupo. Por fim, será discutida a abordagem jurídica à luz dos direitos fundamentais do paciente, caracterizando as normas constitucionais e penais que se aplicam ao cuidado dos profissionais de saúde a pacientes adeptos a essa religião.

Abstract This study aims to reflect on the bioethical and juridical aspects tied to the doctor-Jehovah's Witness patient relationship. To that end, the work will focus, initially, on the doctor-patient relationship faced with the therapeutic obstacles of this group of patients, studying the relationship from the historical standpoint and elucidating the topics about the patients of this religion. Then, we will focus on the bioethical principles involved in the care for Jehovah's Witness patients, discussing each principle and its incorporation to the care for this group. Finally, we will focus on the juridical approach in the light of the patient's fundamental rights, characterizing the constitutional and criminal norms that apply to the care of health professionals to patients of this religion.

Resumen Este estudio tiene como objetivo reflexionar sobre los aspectos bioéticos y legales involucrados en la relación médico-paciente de los testigos de Jehová. Para ello, se abordará inicialmente la relación médico-paciente ante los impasses terapéuticos de este grupo de pacientes desde la perspectiva histórica teniendo en cuenta a los pacientes practicantes de esta religión. Luego, se plantearán los principios bioéticos involucrados en el cuidado del paciente testigo de Jehová, discutiendo cada principio y su incorporación en la asistencia a este grupo. Por último, se discutirá el enfoque jurídico a la luz de los derechos fundamentales del paciente, caracterizando las normas constitucionales y penales que se aplican a la asistencia de los profesionales de la salud a los pacientes practicantes de esta religión.

Liver transplantation in Jehovah's Witnesses: a case series / Experiencia en trasplante hepático para testigos de Jehová: serie de casos

Abstract Introduction: Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a procedure characterized by high bleeding rates and a significant likelihood of exposure to blood products. Objectives: This case series shows the experience at a referral center for Jehovah's Witnesses (JW) with end-stage liver disease, undergoing OLT. Materials and methods: A search was conducted in our database of JW undergoing OLT between July 2007 and August 2012. The information about their pre-operative condition and progress up to 30 days post-transplantation. Results: Four subjects were identified (3F/1M) with an average age of 42 years (range 22-55). All of them received a multidisciplinary management which included pre-operative optimization of red cell mass, antifibrinolytic prophylaxis, and cell salvage (mean volume of 344mL [range 113-520]). The average intraoperative bleeding volume was of 625mL (range 300-1000). One of the patients presented with a primary graft dysfunction and died, while the rest had a normal postoperative course. Conclusion: It is possible to offer OLT to patients who refuse to receive allogeneic blood transfusions, through a comprehensive approach that includes perioperative hematologic optimization and the use of blood conservation measures, without a significant impact on the outcomes.

Resumen Introducción: El trasplante hepático ortotópico (THO) es un procedimiento caracterizado por índices significativos de sangrado y alta probabilidad de exposición a hemocomponentes. Objetivos: Esta serie de casos muestra la experiencia de un centro de referencia en la atención de testigos de Jehová (TJ) con enfermedad hepática terminal llevados a THO. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda en nuestra base de datos de TJ que hubiesen sido llevados a THO entre julio de 2007 y agosto de 2012. Se registraron datos correspondientes a su estado preoperatorio, manejo perioperatorio y evolución hasta los 30 días postrasplante. Resultados: Se encontraron cuatro sujetos (3M/1H) con una edad promedio de 42 años (rango de 22-55). Todos recibieron un manejo multidisciplinario que incluyó la optimización preoperatoria de su masa eritrocitaria, profilaxis antifibrinolítica y salvamento celular [volumen promedio de 344 ml (rango de 113-520)]. El volumen promedio de sangrado intraoperatorio fue de 625 ml (rango de 300-1000). Uno de los pacientes presentó disfunción primaria del injerto y muerte, mientras que los demás tuvieron un curso posoperatorio convencional. Conclusiones: Es posible ofrecer la posibilidad de THO para sujetos que se niegan a recibir transfusiones alogénicas, por medio de un abordaje integral que incluya la optimización hematológica perioperatoria y la utilización de medidas de conservación sanguínea, sin que esto afecte significativamente los resultados.

Enfrentamiento de pacientes Testigo de Jehová en cirugía otorrinolaringológica: a propósito de un caso de resección de tumor rinosinusal / Jehovah's Witnesses patients in otorhinolaryngological surgery: a case regarding a sinonasal tumor resection

Las cirugías de cabeza y cuello presentan un alto riesgo de sangrado que puede significar el uso de transfusiones sanguíneas. Existen casos en las que éstas son rechazadas, como sucede con los Testigos de Jehová. Se expone el caso de una paciente Testigo de Jehová con un tumor rinosinusal con alto riesgo de sangrado que consultó por epistaxis recurrente. Se evidencia un tumor ocluyendo la fosa nasal derecha de aspecto vascular a la rinoscopía y la tomografía computarizada. Múltiples aferencias de la arteria esfenopalatina y etmoidales se observaron en una angiografía cerebral. Previo a la resección, se embolizó la arteria maxilar. Durante la cirugía, se contó con un sistema de recuperación de sangre autóloga, hemodilución e infusión de ácido tranexámico. Se ligó la arteria etmoidal anterior derecha vía externa con apoyo endoscópico y luego se resecó el tumor vía endoscópica. La biopsia reveló un carcinoma sinonasal escamoso. Existen alternativas terapéuticas en pacientes que rechacen el uso de hemoderivados. Destacan medidas preoperatorias como la embolización endovascular, intraoperatorias como el uso de agentes hemostáticos, técnicas quirúrgicas y anestésicas. Es importante analizar todas las opciones disponibles de forma multidisciplinara y junto con el paciente, para determinar la conducta más adecuada a seguir.

Head and neck surgeries have a high risk of bleeding, and therefore could require the use of blood transfusions. There are cases for which blood transfusions are not an acceptable option, as is the case for Jehovah's Witnesses. We present the case of a Jehovah's Witness with a sinonasal tumor with a high risk of bleeding, who presented with recurrent epistaxis. Rhinoscopy and computed tomography revealed a vascular-like tumor occluding the right nasal cavity. Cerebral angiography showed afferents of the sphenopalatine and ethmoidal arteries leading to the tumor. Prior to the resection, the maxillary artery was embolized. During surgery, we relied on an autologous blood recovery system, hemodilution and tranexamic acid. Right anterior ethmoidal artery ligation was performed by an endoscopic assisted external approach. The tumor was resected endoscopically The biopsy revealed a squamous sinonasal carcinoma. There are therapeutic alternatives for patients who cannot receive blood products. There are preoperative measures such as endovascular embolization, intraoperative measures such as the use of hemostatic agents and specific surgical or anesthetic techniques. It's important to analyze all of the available options in a multidisciplinary team approach, and to take into consideration the patient's preferences, in order to determine the best surgical conduct.

Jurisprudencia sobre transfusión de sangre y consentimiento informado de Testigos de Jehová / The jurisprudence about blood transfusion and informed consent of Jehovah witnesses

The law N° 20.584 established the informed consent. This could suggest that patients have a right to refuse a blood transfusion. However, the dominant jurisprudence in protection claims filed against Jehovah Witnesses who rejected a blood transfusion, reveals that they do not have such a right. There were two exceptions in 2008, where courts acknowledged the patient's autonomy and denied the petition to authorize a blood transfusion. Most cases precede law N° 20.584. However, those cases which were upheld by the courts after the promulgation of the law, although few, follow exactly the same doctrine as before the appearance of this act.

Trauma e transfusão sanguínea precoce: o desafiante manejo de hemorragias em Testemunhas de Jeová / Trauma and early blood transfusion: the challenging hemorrhage management in Jehovah's Witnesses

RESUMO O manejo de pacientes que se recusam a receber transfusões de sangue e de seus produtos, como as Testemunhas de Jeová, apresenta-se frequentemente como desafio médico, não só pelo dilema ético, mas porque cria um importante obstáculo ao rápido controle de hemorragias num cenário de trauma. Este artigo explora as razões deste conflito entre o dever de cuidado do médico e o respeito à autonomia do paciente, e desenha um panorama dos entendimentos majoritários do Judiciário sobre o tema. Por fim, conclui-se que a manifestação de vontade do paciente, embora livre, não é suficiente para afastar o médico do seu dever de cuidado. Constatando perigo à vida, o médico deverá proceder a transfusão de sangue, independentemente de consentimento do paciente ou de seus responsáveis.

ABSTRACT The management of patients, such as Jehovah's Witnesses, who refuse to receive blood transfusions, is often a medical challenge, not only because of the ethical dilemma, but also because it creates a major obstacle to rapid hemorrhage control in a setting of trauma. This article explores the reasons for this conflict between the physician's duty of care and the respect for the patient's autonomy, and draws a panorama of the main understandings of the Judiciary on the subject. Finally, it is concluded that the manifestation of the patient's will, although free, is not enough to release the doctor from his (her) duty of care. In case of danger to life, the doctor must carry out a blood transfusion, regardless of the patient's consent or the permission of those responsible for the patient.

Cardiac surgery in Jehovah's witness patients: experience of a Brazilian Tertiary Hospital

Abstract Introduction: The outcomes of Jehovah's Witness (JW) patients submitted to open heart surgery may vary across countries and communities. The aim of this study was to describe the morbidity and mortality of JW patients undergoing cardiac surgery in a tertiary hospital center in Southern Brazil. Methods: A case-control study was conducted including all JW patients submitted to cardiac surgery from 2008 to 2016. Three consecutive surgical non-JW controls were matched to each selected JW patient. The preoperative risk of death was estimated through the mean EuroSCORE II. Results: We studied 16 JW patients with a mean age of 60.6±12.1 years. The non-JW group included 48 patients with a mean age of 63.3±11.1 years (P=0.416). Isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery was the most frequent surgery performed in both groups. Median EuroSCORE II was 1.29 (IQR: 0.66-3.08) and 1.43 (IQR: 0.72-2.63), respectively (P=0.988). The mortality tended to be higher in JW patients (18.8% vs. 4.2%, P=0.095), and there was a higher difference between the predicted and observed mortality in JW patients compared with controls (4.1 and 18.8% vs. 2.1 and 4.2%). More JW patients needed hemodialysis in the postoperative period (20.0 vs. 2.1%, P=0.039). Conclusion: We showed a high rate of in-hospital mortality in JW patients submitted to cardiac surgery. The EuroSCORE II may underestimate the surgical risk in these patients.

Paradoxal relação da vida versus morte e a transfusão de sangue nas Testemunhas de Jeová / Paradoxical relationship of life versus death and blood transfusion in Jehovah's Witnesses / Paradoxal relación de la vida versus muerte y la transfusión de sangre en los Testigos de Jehová

Objetivo - O presente trabalho visa estudar o conflito de princípios fundamentais na base de bioética e no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro. Metodologia - Foi feita uma revisão narrativa de literatura. Resultados - Pacientes que são vinculados / adeptos da religião "Testemunhas de Jeová" recusam tratamento de transfusão de sangue por motivo de suas crenças religiosas, contudo, é necessário respeitar o princípio da dignidade humana. O tratamento com sangue para os adeptos da Testemunhas de Jeová é uma problemática complexa que envolve diferentes paradigmas e uma colisão de preceitos fundamentais, como a liberdade de crença e o direito à vida. Há um conflito entre a autonomia do paciente e o dever e responsabilidade civil do profissional de saúde. Para o tratamento alternativo, alguns métodos são oferecidos para mas o sangue não tem um substituto eficaz, sendo muitas vezes o único meio para se manter uma vida. Conclusão - Há escassa literatura para o tema da transfusão de sangue em adeptos da Testemunhas de Jeová e as posições são antagônicas.

Objective - This study aims to study the conflict of fundamental principles based on bioethics and the Brazilian legal system. Methodology - A narrative review of the literature was done. Results: Patients who are "Jehovah's Witnesses" adherents refuse blood transfusion treatment for reasons related to their religious beliefs. This, in turn, underlies the life and principles that these people will follow, however, it is necessary to respect the principle of human dignity. Therefore, allogeneic blood treatment in Jehovah's Witnesses is a complex problem involving different paradigms and a collision of fundamental precepts such as freedom of belief and the right to life. The autonomy of the patient and the duty and responsibility of the health professional to save lives also come into conflict. For the alternative treatment some methods have been created with the intention of minimizing this problem, however, despite the numerous techniques to avoid transfusion, blood does not have an obsolete and effective substitute, it is often the only way to maintain life of the patient. Conclusion - There is little literature on the topic of blood transfusion among Jehovah's Witnesses

Objetivo - El presente trabajo pretende estudiar el conflicto de principios fundamentales en la base de bioética y en el ordenamiento jurídico brasileño. Metodología - Se realizó una revisión narrativa de la literatura. Resultados - Pacientes que son vinculados / adeptos de la religión "Testigos de Jehová" rechazan tratamiento de transfusión de sangre por motivo de sus creencias religiosas, sin embargo, es necesario respetar el principio de la dignidad humana. El tratamiento con la sangre para los adeptos de los Testigos de Jehová es una problemática compleja que involucra distintos paradigmas y una colisión de preceptos fundamentales, como la libertad de creencia y el derecho a la vida. Hay un conflicto entre la autonomía del paciente y el deber y responsabilidad civil del profesional de la salud. Para el tratamiento alternativo, algunos métodos se ofrecen pero la sangre no tiene un sustituto eficaz, siendo a menudo el único medio para mantenerse una vida. Conclusión - Hay escasa literatura para el tema de la transfusión de la sangre en adeptos de los Testigos de Jehová y las posiciones son antagónicas

Laparoscopic D1+ Lymph Node Dissection for Gastric Cancer in Jehovah's Witness Patients: a 1:3 Matched Case Control Study

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic gastrectomy in early gastric cancer patients is accepted as standard, but it is sometimes challenging for patients who refuse blood transfusions such as Jehovah's Witness (JW) patients, because of the risk of bleeding related to radical lymph node dissection. This study aimed to confirm the adequacy and safety of laparoscopic gastrectomy with D1+ lymphadenectomy in JW patients. METHODS: From January 2009 to December 2015, 265 gastric cancer patients underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy in our institute. Among them, there were 25 JW, and they were statistically matched with 75 patients from the control groups depending on age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). In a retrospective review, patient laboratory values and their pathology results were analysed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference when comparing the clinical characteristics of JW and control groups. There was no statistically significant difference in blood loss or operation time between the two groups. Mean blood loss was 202.4±172.6 ml in the JW group and 179.7±163.8 ml in the control group (p=0.556). The number of retrieved lymph nodes was 27.8±13.9 in the JW group and 29.3±12.1 in the control group (p=0.607). Haemoglobin and haematocrit were measured after surgery and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic D1+ gastrectomy in a JW may be performed with an equivalent risk to the control group. Laparoscopic gastrectomy can be applied to Jehovah's Witnesses if the specialied cancer center has sufficient experience in stomach cancer surgery, even if there is not enough experience in bloodless surgery.

Liver transplantation in Jehovah's Witnesses: two cases report / 대한마취과학회지

Liver transplantation is especially challenging in patients who are Jehovah's Witnesses because their religious beliefs prohibit the receipt of blood products. We present two cases of living donor liver transplantation performed in adult Jehovah's Witnesses in South Korea without the use of blood products. In the first case, preoperative erythropoiesisstimulation therapy increased hemoglobin levels from 8.1 to 13.1 g/dl after 9 weeks. In the second case, hemoglobin levels increased from 7.4 to 10.8 g/dl after 6 months of erythropoiesis-stimulation therapy. With the combination of acute normovolemic hemodilution, intraoperative cell salvage, and use of transfusion alternatives, liver transplantation was successfully performed without transfusion of blood products.

Responsabilidade penal de pais testemunhas de Jeová por recusa de tratamento médico em crianças e adolescentes / Criminal responsibility of parents Jehovah's Witnesses for refusing medical treatment to children and adolescents

Examina-se, neste estudo, decisão da Sexta Turma do Superior Tribunal de Justiça no Habeas Corpus n. 268.459/SP, proferida em 02 de setembro de 2014, que discutiu a responsabilidade penal dos pais por recusa de transfusão sanguínea em paciente menor de idade. A metodologia utilizada foi do tipo documental-bibliográfico, com pesquisa pura de abordagem qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória. O referido habeas corpus aborda o caso de uma adolescente de 13 anos, que deu entrada no hospital em virtude de grave estado de saúde provocado por anemia falciforme. O quadro clínico da paciente exigia, com urgência, transfusão de sangue para salvaguardar sua vida. Todavia, seus pais, por razão de convicção religiosa da seita Testemunhas de Jeová, assinaram declaração recusando o referido tratamento, dando, assim, ensejo ao óbito da menor impúbere. O fato gerou precedente judicial no STJ, permitindo ao médico fazer a transfusão de sangue sempre que o paciente menor de idade estiver em iminente perigo de morte, independentemente da escolha religiosa de seus representantes legais. Conclui-se que o caso no Habeas Corpus n. 268.459/SP é marcado por uma colisão entre o direito à vida da criança e do adolescente e o direito à liberdade de consciência e de crença dos pais, que foi ponderada pela Sexta Turma do STJ.(AU)

This study examines the decision of the Sixth Chamber on Brazil's Superior Court of Justice (SCJ) in Habeas Corpus 268.459/SP, issued on September 2, 2014, which discussed the criminal responsibility of parents for refusing a blood transfusion to a minor patient. The methodology used was of the documentary-bibliographic type, with pure research of qualitative, descriptive and exploratory approach. The aforementioned habeas corpus addresses the case of a thirteen- year-old girl who was admitted to the hospital due to a serious health condition caused by sickle cell anemia. The patient's clinical condition urgently required blood transfusion to safeguard her life. However, her parents, due to their belief in Jehovah's Witness cult, signed a declaration that refused such treatment, thus leading to the girl's death. This fact gave rise to a judicial precedent in the SCJ, allowing doctors to conduct blood transfusions whenever minor patients are in imminent danger of death, regardless of the religious choice of their legal representatives. It is concluded that the Habeas Corpus case is marked by a collision between the right to life of the child and the adolescent and the right to freedom of conscience and belief of the parents, which was considered by the Sixth Chamber of the SCJ.(AU)

Ethical and legal duty of anesthesiologists regarding Jehovah's Witness patient: care protocol / Dever ético e legal do anestesiologista frente ao paciente testemunha de Jeová: protocolo de atendimento

Abstract Background and objectives: Jehovah's Witnesses patients refuse blood transfusions for religious reasons. Anesthesiologists must master specific legal knowledge to provide care to these patients. Understanding how the Law and the Federal Council of Medicine treat this issue is critical to know how to act in this context. The aim of this paper was to establish a treatment protocol for the Jehovah's Witness patient with emphasis on ethical and legal duty of the anesthesiologist. Content: The article analyzes the Constitution, Criminal Code, resolutions of the Federal Council of Medicine, opinions, and jurisprudence to understand the limits of the conflict between the autonomy of will of Jehovah's Witnesses to refuse transfusion and the physician's duty to provide the transfusion. Based on this evidence, a care protocol is suggested. Conclusions: The Federal Council of Medicine resolution 1021/1980, the penal code Article 135, which classifies denial of care as a crime and the Supreme Court decision on the HC 268,459/SP process imposes on the physician the obligation of blood transfusion when life is threatened. The patient's or guardian's consent is not necessary, as the autonomy of will manifestation of the Jehovah's Witness patient refusing blood transfusion for himself and relatives, even in emergencies, is no not forbidden.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Os pacientes testemunhas de Jeová recusam transfusão sanguínea por motivos religiosos. O anestesiologista deve dominar conhecimentos jurídicos específicos para atender esses pacientes. Entender como o direito e o Conselho Federal de Medicina tratam essa questão é fundamental para saber agir dentro desse contexto. O objetivo deste artigo foi estabelecer um protocolo de atendimento do paciente testemunha de Jeová com ênfase no dever ético e legal do anestesiologista. Conteúdo: O artigo analisa a Constituição, o Código Penal, resoluções do Conselho Federal de Medicina (CFM), pareceres e jurisprudência para entender os limites do conflito entre a autonomia de vontade da testemunha de Jeová em recusar transfusão e a obrigação do médico em transfundir. Baseado nessas evidências um protocolo de atendimento é sugerido. Conclusões: A resolução do CFM 1021/1980, o Código Penal no artigo 135, que classifica como crime a omissão de socorro, e a decisão do Supremo Tribunal de Justiça sobre o processo HC 268.459/SP impõem ao médico a obrigação de transfusão quando houver risco de vida. Não é necessário concordância do paciente ou de seu responsável, pois não é proibida a manifestação de vontade do paciente testemunha de Jeová ao recusar transfusão sanguínea para si e seus dependentes, mesmo em emergências.

Testemunhas de Jeová e hemotransfusão: revisão integrativa sobre a abordagem do enfermeiro / Jehovah's Witnesses and blood transfusion: integrative review of the nurse approach

O objetivo do estudo foi descrever a abordagem do enfermeiro frente à recusa de hemotransfusão por parte do paciente Testemunha de Jeová, contemplando os aspectos assistenciais, éticos e religiosos. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, retrospectiva, exploratória, utilizando as bases de dados SCIELO, BDENF e LlLACS, o corte epistemológico foi de 2010 a 2015, a amostra final constituiu-se de 17 artigos. Os dados analisados foram divididos em 4 categorias: Religião (82,35%), Métodos Alternativos (58,82%), Equipe médica (52,63%) e Enfermagem/Parecer Técnico (11,76%). Conclui-se que a assistência deve advir da ponderação de cada hipótese, ao enfermeiro cabe atuar pautando nos princípios bioéticos, visando a melhor solução para ambas as partes.

The main objective of this study was to describe the approach nurse in the refusal of blood transfusion by the patient Witness, considering the welfare, ethical and religious. This is an integrative review, using the data bases SCIELO, BDENF and LlLACS, the epistemological break was 2010 to 2015, the final sample consisted of 17 articles. The paper were divided into 4 categories: Religion (82.35%), Alternative Methods (58.82%), medical staff (52.63%) and Nursing /Technical Opinion (1176%). We conclude that the assistance should come from the weight of each case, it is up to the nurse to act basing on bioethical principies to the best solution for both the parties. (AU)

El objetivo dei estudio consistió en describir el abordaje dei enfermero frente ai rechazo de la transfusión de sangre por parte dei paciente Testigo de Jehová, contemplando los aspectos asistenciales, éticos y religiosos. Se trata de una revisión integradora, utilizando las bases de datos SCIELO, BDENF Y LlLACS, el corte epistemológico fue dei 2010 ai 2015, Ia muestra final está compuesta por 17 artículos. Los datos analizados se dividieron en 4 categorías: Religión (82,35%), Métodos Alternativos (58,82%), Equipo Médico (52,63%) y Enfermería/Parecer Técnico (11,76%). Se llegó a la conclusión de que la asistencia debe provenir de la ponderación de cada hipótesis, ai enfermero le cabe actuar tomando como referencia las pautas de los principios bioéticos, con el objetivo de encontrar la mejor solución para ambas partes.

Representações religiosas na experiência com a enfermidade: um estudo de caso / Religious representations in illness experience: a case study / Representaciones religiosas en la experiencia con la enfermedad: un estudio de caso

Este artigo, subproduto de uma pesquisa mais ampla, aborda um estudo de caso de um adoecido de hipertensão e de problemas cardíacos que professa a religião das Testemunhas de Jeová. Mediante entrevistas com roteiro semiestruturado reconstituíram-se os relatos do entrevistado sobre a experiência com o adoecimento: diagnóstico, tratamentos e cura, enfocando as representações sociais religiosas que o permeiam, fornecendo sentido à própria vida e aos sofrimentos e às perturbações físicas e morais implicadas neste processo.

This article, the byproduct of a larger research project, presents a case study of a Jehovah's Witness with hypertension and cardiac problems. Semi-structured interviews were used to reconstruct the individual's illness experience: diagnosis, treatments, and cure, focusing on pervasive religious social representations, lending meaning to his own life and to the physical and moral suffering and disturbances involved in this process.

Este artículo, subproducto de una investigación más amplia, aborda un estudio de caso de un enfermo de hipertensión y con problemas cardíacos que profesa la religión de los Testigos de Jeová. Mediante entrevistas con guion semiestructurado se reconstituyeron los relatos del entrevistado sobre la experiencia con el proceso de enfermedad: diagnóstico, tratamientos y cura, enfocando las representaciones sociales religiosas que la permean, proporcionando sentido a la propia vida y a los sufrimientos y perturbaciones físicas y morales implicadas en este proceso.

Blood Conservation Strategy during Cardiac Valve Surgery in Jehovah's Witnesses: a Comparative Study with Non-Jehovah's Witnesses / 대한중환자의학회지

BACKGROUND: We compared the clinical outcomes of cardiac valve surgery in adult Jehovah's Witness patients refusing blood transfusion to those in non-Jehovah's Witness patients without any transfusion limitations. METHODS: From 2005 to 2014, 25 Jehovah's Witnesses (JW group) underwent cardiac valve surgery using a blood conservation strategy. Twenty-five matched control patients (non-JW group) were selected according to sex, age, operation date, and surgeon. Both groups were managed according to general guidelines of anticoagulation for valve surgery. RESULTS: The operative mortality rate was 4.0% in the JW group and 0% in the non-JW group (p = 1.000). There was no difference in postoperative major complications between the groups (p = 1.000). The overall survival rate at 5 and 10 years was 85.6% ± 7.9% and 85.6% ± 7.9% in the JW group, respectively, and 100.0% ± 0.0% and 66.7% ± 27.2% in the non-JW group (p = 0.313). The valve-related morbidity-free survival rates (p = 0.625) and late morbidity-free survival rates (p = 0.885) were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Using a perioperative strategy for blood conservation, cardiac valve surgery without transfusion had comparable clinical outcomes in adult patients. This blood conservation strategy could be broadly applied to major surgeries with careful perioperative care.

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Therapy for a Jehovah's Witness Child With Severe Anemia due to Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / 소아과

Patients with hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) can rapidly develop profound anemia as the disease progresses, as a consequence of red blood cell (RBC) hemolysis and inadequate erythropoietin synthesis. Therefore, RBC transfusion should be considered in HUS patients with severe anemia to avoid cardiac or pulmonary complications. Most patients who are Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusion, even in the face of life-threatening medical conditions due to their religious convictions. These patients require management alternatives to blood transfusions. Erythropoietin is a glycopeptide that enhances endogenous erythropoiesis in the bone marrow. With the availability of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO), several authors have reported its successful use in patients refusing blood transfusion. However, the optimal dose and duration of treatment with rHuEPO are not established. We report a case of a 2-year-old boy with diarrhea-associated HUS whose family members are Jehovah's Witnesses. He had severe anemia with acute kidney injury. His lowest hemoglobin level was 3.6 g/dL, but his parents refused treatment with packed RBC transfusion due to their religious beliefs. Therefore, we treated him with high-dose rHuEPO (300 IU/kg/day) as well as folic acid, vitamin B12, and intravenous iron. The hemoglobin level increased steadily to 7.4 g/dL after 10 days of treatment and his renal function improved without any complications. To our knowledge, this is the first case of successful rHuEPO treatment in a Jehovah's Witness child with severe anemia due to HUS.

Blood Conservation Strategy during Cardiac Valve Surgery in Jehovah's Witnesses: a Comparative Study with Non-Jehovah's Witnesses / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: We compared the clinical outcomes of cardiac valve surgery in adult Jehovah's Witness patients refusing blood transfusion to those in non-Jehovah's Witness patients without any transfusion limitations. METHODS: From 2005 to 2014, 25 Jehovah's Witnesses (JW group) underwent cardiac valve surgery using a blood conservation strategy. Twenty-five matched control patients (non-JW group) were selected according to sex, age, operation date, and surgeon. Both groups were managed according to general guidelines of anticoagulation for valve surgery. RESULTS: The operative mortality rate was 4.0% in the JW group and 0% in the non-JW group (p = 1.000). There was no difference in postoperative major complications between the groups (p = 1.000). The overall survival rate at 5 and 10 years was 85.6% ± 7.9% and 85.6% ± 7.9% in the JW group, respectively, and 100.0% ± 0.0% and 66.7% ± 27.2% in the non-JW group (p = 0.313). The valve-related morbidity-free survival rates (p = 0.625) and late morbidity-free survival rates (p = 0.885) were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Using a perioperative strategy for blood conservation, cardiac valve surgery without transfusion had comparable clinical outcomes in adult patients. This blood conservation strategy could be broadly applied to major surgeries with careful perioperative care.

Recusa a transfusão de sangue por gestantes e puérperas testemunhas de Jeová / Blood transfusion refusal by pregnant and puerperal Jehovahs witnesses / Rechazo a la transfusión de sangre por parte de mujeres embarazadas y puérperas testigos de Jehová

INTRODUÇÃO: a hemorragia obstétrica é considerada uma das principais causas de mortes maternas no mundo. Nesse cenário, as gestantes testemunhas de Jeová constituem uma população única, porque recusam transfusões de sangue total e de seus quatro componentes primários. O encontro da Obstetrícia com essas pacientes tem gerado ao longo do tempo muitos conflitos jurídicos, éticos e bioéticos. OBJETIVO: discorrer sobre os aspectos jurídicos, éticos e bioéticos diante da recusa à transfusão de sangue por gestantes e puérperas testemunhas de Jeová. MÉTODO: trata-se de estudo de revisão integrativa, em que foram identificados 14 artigos que compuseram a amostra. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: do ponto de vista legal e jurídico existe um emaranhado referente aos direitos dos médicos e dos pacientes. A Constituição Federal, o Código Civil e a Carta dos Direitos dos Usuários de Saúde reforçam a autonomia do paciente em recusar qualquer tratamento. E o o Código Penal e o Código de Ética Médica insistem na adoção de condutas que salvam vidas mesmo sem o consentimento da paciente - em casos de risco iminente de morte. Já na ética e bioética, o confronto existe entre a autonomia da paciente e a beneficência do ponto de vista médico. CONCLUSÕES: atualmente temos uma legislação dividida e questões éticas e bioéticas com pontos de vista opostos. É preciso repensar legal e bioeticamente nessas pacientes; entender suas crenças, conhecer tratamentos alternativos e ter instituições e profissionais mais preparados.

INTRODUCTION: Obstetric hemorrhage is considered a major cause of maternal deaths all around the world. In this scenario, the jehovah's-Witness pregnant women constitute a unique population because they refuse total blood transfusions and its four primary components. The encounter between obstetrics and these patients has caused many legal, ethical and bioethical conflicts along the years. OBJECTIVE: Discourse about legal, ethical, and bioethical issues facing blood transfusion refusal by jehovah's-Witness pregnant and breastfeeding women. Method: It is an integrative review study, in which 14 articles were identified to compose the sample,from M EDLINE and LILACS databases, in Portuguese, English and Spanish. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION: From the legal and juridical points of view, there are some disagreements related to physicians and patients' rights. The Federal Constitution, The Civil Code and the Charter of Consumers' Rights in Health enhance the patients autonomy to refuse any treatment. While both Criminal Code and Medical Ethics Codes insist on adopting a life-saving conduct even without the patients consent, in cases of imminent risk of death. Meanwhile, in Ethics and Bioethics, there is confrontation between the patients autonomy and the benefitfrom the medical standpoint. CONCLUSIONS: Currently we have a divided legislation, ethics and bioethics issues with opposite points of view. It is necessary to legally and bioethically rethink about these patients, understand their beliefs, to know alternative treatments and to have more qualified institutions and professionals.

La hemorragia obstétrica es una de las principales causas de muertes maternas en el mundo. En este escenario, las embarazadas de la religión Testigos de jehová constituyen una población única porque rechazan las transfusiones de sangre total y de sus cuatro componentes primarios. El contacto entre la obstetricia y estas pacientes siempre ha generado conflictos jurídicos, éticos y bioéticos. El objeto del presente estudio es entender los aspectos jurídicos, éticos y bioéticos ante el rechazo a la transfusión de sangre por parte de dichas mujeres. Se trata de una revisión integradora compuesta de 14 artículos que constituyeron la muestra, a partir de las bibliotecas virtuales MEDLINEy LILACS, en portugués, inglés y espanol. Desde el punto de vista legal y jurídico existe un enmaranado de derechos de médicos y pacientes. La Constitución Federal, el Código Civil y la Carta de los Derechos de los Usuarios de Salud refuerzan la autonomia del paciente de rechazar cualquier tratamiento. El Código Penal y el Código de Ética Médica insisten en la adopción de conductas que salvan vidas, incluso sin el consentimiento del paciente, en casos de riesgo inminente de muerte. En la ética y bioética, el conflicto existe entre la autonomía del paciente y la beneficencia desde el punto de vista médico. Actualmente tenemos una legislación dividida y cuestiones éticas y bioéticas con puntos de vista opuestos. Es necesario repensar legalmente y bioéticamente en estas pacientes, entender sus creencias, conocer tratamientos alternativos y tener instituciones y profesionales mejor preparados para tratar el tema.

Comparison of the effects of TripleGates and Gates-Glidden burs on cervical dentin thickness and root canal area by using cone beam computed tomography

The search for new instruments to promote an appropriate cervical preparation has led to the development of new rotary instruments such as TripleGates. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, there is no study evaluating TripleGates effect on the “risk zone” of mandibular molars. Objectives : The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a crown-down sequence of Gates-Glidden and TripleGates burs on the remaining cervical dentin thickness and the total amount of dentin removed from the root canals during the instrumentation by using cone beam computed tomography. The number of separated instruments was also evaluated. Material and Methods : Mesial roots of 40 mandibular first molars were divided into 2 equal groups: crown-down sequence of Gates-Glidden (#3, #2, #1) and TripleGates burs. Cervical dentin thickness and canal area were measured before and after instrumentation by using cone beam computed tomography and image analysis software. Student’s t-test was used to determine significant differences at p<0.05. Results : No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed between the instruments, regarding the root canal area and dentin wall thickness. Conclusion : Both tested instruments used for cervical preparation were safe to be used in the mesial root canal of mandibular molars. .

Aspectos legales de la transfusión de hemoderivados en el paciente crítico pediátrico hijo de padres Testigos de Jehová, a propósito de un caso mediáticamente relevante / Legal aspects of blood-derived transfusion in a pediatric critical patient whose parents are Jehova Witness: with regard to a medically relevant case

Caso: en el mes de agosto del año 2013, se dio lugar un caso en la ciudad de Guayaquil, que llamó la atención a los medios de comunicación. Una jueza, dictaminó una orden judicial (medida cautelar) para la administración de sangre a un neonato ingresado en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales, que requería transfusión sanguínea urgente y que era hijo de padres que negaban la transfusión al menor de edad aduciendo motivos religiosos. Este artículo tiene como objetivos verificar fuentes sobre el caso y realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre los fundamentos religiosos, bioéticos y legales que sustenten el evento. Para el desarrollo del mismo se realizó entrevistas tanto a la Jueza involucrada, como al procurador jurídico de la Congregación de los Testigos de Jehová del Ecuador, al Asesor Jurídico de la Jefatura de la DINAPEN (Dirección Nacional de la Policía especializada en Niños, Niñas y Adolescentes), y al Director Nacional Tutelar de la Defensoría del Pueblo del Ecuador. Este reporte de caso, además cuenta con una revisión actualizada del tema con el fin de esclarecer las condiciones en las que se debe recurrir a instancias judiciales ante la negativa de los padres de transfusión a menores de edad en condiciones críticas.

Case: in august 2013, a particular medical case called the attention of the Media in the city of Guayaquil. A Judge granted a judicial order (interim measure) for blood transfusion to a newborn child who was an inpatient in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit and needed the treatment urgently. The parents of the Child refused the blood transfusion due to their religious beliefs. The objectives of the present article are to share the interviews of the sources of the case and confirm the event. In addition, a review of the religious, bioethical and legal issues behind the event has been portrayed. Interviews to the Judge involved, the Jehovah's Witness of Ecuador Attorney, the Legal Adviser of DINAPEN (Police Specialized in Children National Management Office), and the National Tutelary Attorney of the Public Defense Office of Ecuador were performed. Furthermore, the article will set the procedure in which legal action shall be sought for the administration of blood transfusions in critical situations when parents deny a blood transfusion in children.