Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction in Sickle Cell Disease

Patients with sickle cell disease receive blood transfusions to treat complications such as anemia and splenic sequestration. Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction may occur three to seven days after a blood transfusion is done.

Cause

• Delayed hemolytic transfusion is caused by the strengthening of previously weak antibodies that attack and destroy transfused red blood cells days after a transfusion has occurred.

Symptoms

• A sickle cell patient with delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction may show some of the following symptoms after a blood transfusion: fever with or without the presence of chills, anemia and pain.

Management

• Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction can be treated in severe cases by transfusing blood that will not react with the patient's antibodies. In mild cases, no treatment is needed.

Prevention/Solution

• To prevent delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions in sickle cell patients, physicians may give patients cards stating their type of antibodies. This can prevent transfusions that will react with the patient's antibodies. .

Significance

• Patients with sickle cell disease receive blood transfusions for different complications as a result of their disease. They are therefore prone to delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions, which may produce mild effects in some cases and death in others. Recognizing the symptoms of this condition in a sickle cell patient is therefore important.