2018, Number 4
Med Crit 2018; 32 (4)
Legal implications of blood transfusion in Critical Care Unit
Monares ZE, Juárez NA, Pérez NOR, Poblano MMN
Full text
10.35366/TI184J
Language: Spanish
References: 4
Page: 237-240
PDF size: 114.90 Kb.
ABSTRACT
Background: Hemotransfusions are a common procedure in intensive care units worldwide. The medical personnel involved in hemotransfusion are usually not familiar with the legal framework of such a provision.Clinical case: A 17-year-old female admitted to the ICU with multiple trauma, severe hemorrhagic shock, severe cranioencephalic traumatism, urgent decompressive craniotomy, hemopneumothorax and splenic lesion, such diagnoses generate hemorrhagic shock with severe anemia due to hemoglobin at 5 g/dL. The mother of the patient, responsible for her, prohibits any transfusion of blood products by religious idea. The doctors in charge request expert support in the legal area to know what is the best behavior to follow, with the effect of anticipating and preventing possible legal conflicts, who explain that life is not a legal right available, and in the face of serious conditions, the hemotransfusion must be done.
Conclusions: A legally valid policy should be established on the rights and obligations of blood transfusions, which should be known by all health workers in the institution where said policy is implemented and that of requesting legal advice in each case presented in this type of conflicts.
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