Religious-related concerns and animal-derived medications during anesthetic care

Abstract

Peoples following some religions might have some specific beliefs regarding the consumption and utilization of animal-derived products, and their beliefs might have the potential to affect medical care.  Literature regarding the use of porcine and bovine-derived medications and medical devices for patients who practice Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism is limited. Consideration and knowledge of these issues is necessary to facilitate successful communication with a diverse patient population and respect her religious convictions.

We present a report of a 20-year-old patient of the Islamic faith who required anticoagulation following a lower extremity orthopedic procedure.  The family and patient requested no porcine-derived medications, thereby precluding the use of subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin.  Issues surrounding religious concerns regarding animal-derived medications and healthcare products are reviewed and options for effective care in such circumstances outlined.