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Background <p>Hirudotherapy, the use of leeches for medicinal purposes, is a recognized treatment for various medical conditions, including digit replantation.</p> Case presentation <p>We present a case of a 12-year-old male who developed hemorrhagic shock while undergoing hirudotherapy. Although there is evidence of its benefit, leech therapy can lead to substantial blood loss, especially because it is often combined with additional anticoagulation measures.</p> Conclusions <p>This case emphasizes the need for extreme vigilance and continuous monitoring in pediatric patients undergoing hirudotherapy. We discuss potential risk factors, signs of occult bleeding, and recommend adjunctive measures to improve the assessment of critically ill patients in such situations.</p>

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Hemorrhagic shock in a pediatric patient undergoing hirudotherapy: a case report and recommendations for vigilance

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月8日

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  • Susanna Shaw,
  • Katharine Hinchcliff,
  • Karim Rafaat,
  • Brian Frugoni

摘要

Background

Hirudotherapy, the use of leeches for medicinal purposes, is a recognized treatment for various medical conditions, including digit replantation.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 12-year-old male who developed hemorrhagic shock while undergoing hirudotherapy. Although there is evidence of its benefit, leech therapy can lead to substantial blood loss, especially because it is often combined with additional anticoagulation measures.

Conclusions

This case emphasizes the need for extreme vigilance and continuous monitoring in pediatric patients undergoing hirudotherapy. We discuss potential risk factors, signs of occult bleeding, and recommend adjunctive measures to improve the assessment of critically ill patients in such situations.