A Case of Jehovah's Witness for Emergency Lower Segment Caesarean Section with Global Left Ventricular Hypokinesia

Dr. Swekchha Jain, Dr. Priti Devalkar

Abstract: Jehovah's Witnesses represent a unique medical population, in relation to their opposition to blood transfusion. With obstetric hemorrhage being the major cause of maternal mortality, pregnant Jehovah's Witnesses are in exceptional jeopardy. A 34 year old Jehovah's witness, diabetic female, registered ANC, G2A1 at 38weeks was admitted prior to LSCS (Lower segment caesarean section) with history of breathlessness since 2 months. Prior cardiac evaluation showed global left ventricular hypokinesia with Ejection Fraction of 25%. Decision for emergency LSCS was made in view of non reassuring non stress test. On day of surgery, patient was induced under low dose spinal - epidural after securing central venous access under local anaesthesia. Procedure was performed by a skilled obstetrician and recovery was uneventful.

Keywords: Jehovah's witness, Lower segment caesarean section, Low dose spinal-epidural