ABSTRACT
This case report describes bloodless management of a 32-year-old Jehovah's Witness who had severe obstetric hemorrhage at 23 weeks of gestation, spontaneously delivering twin fetuses. After resuscitation with crystalloids and colloids, the patient was still bleeding and hemoglobin fell to 3.3 g/dL. She had emergency hysterectomy. On postoperative day 1, her hemoglobin was 1.3 g/dL and Glasgow Coma Scale 6 of 15. Electrolyte derangement and fluid overload were detected and treated promptly. She regained consciousness and received intravenous iron and erythropoietin. She recovered fully without complications and without blood transfusion. Hemoglobin at discharge (postoperative day 18) was 6.9 and 12.5 g/dL 4 months later.
Subject(s)
Anemia , Jehovah's Witnesses , Adult , Anemia/therapy , Blood Transfusion , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , ResuscitationABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: Injuries during coitus could result in considerable morbidity and mortality in women. Identifying their pattern of presentation and predisposing factors will aid in their prevention. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A descriptive study of patients with coital injuries seen in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (U.C.T.H) Calabar, between 1991 and 2000, with data obtained from case records. RESULTS: Coital injuries constituted 0.7/1000 gynaecological emergencies. Rape (68.0%) was the commonest aetiological factor. It was more common in nulliparous patients (88.0%) and toddlers and teenagers formed the age group most affected. The lower vagina was the most common site of injury (44.0%). Vaginal bleeding was the commonest mode of presentation and hypovolaemic shock, the most common complication. CONCLUSION: Rape is the commonest cause of coital injury in Calabar. Coital injuries should be considered as a differential diagnosis in all cases of abnormal vaginal bleeding particularly in children.