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Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction After Preoperative Prophylactic Blood Transfusion for Sickle Cell Disease in Pregnancy

From the ¹Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and ²Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative transfusions are frequently given to prevent morbidity in nonpregnant patients with sickle cell disease. We describe a case of a life-threatening delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction with hyperhemolysis syndrome in pregnancy.

CASE: A multigravida with sickle cell disease underwent prophylactic blood transfusion before repeat cesarean delivery. Her immediate postpartum course was uneventful, but on postoperative day number 6 she presented in grave condition with what was thought initially to be an infection versus crisis. Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction with hyperhemolysis was ultimately diagnosed.

CONCLUSION: In the gravida with sickle cell disease and known multiple red cell antibodies, blood transfusion may incur a higher risk for delayed transfusion reaction, hyperhemolysis syndrome, and possible death. Blood transfusion should be used cautiously in these patients.