Hyperhemolysis Syndrome Complicating Pregnancy in Homozygous δβ-Thalassemia.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Mechery, Joseph; Abidogun, Kehinde; Crosfill, Fiona; Jip, James
- Source
- Hemoglobin. Apr2012, Vol. 36 Issue 2, p183-185. 3p.
- Subject
- *HEMOLYSIS & hemolysins
*PREGNANCY complications
*BETA-Thalassemia
*SICKLE cell anemia
*BLOOD transfusion
*STEROID drugs
*IMMUNOGLOBULINS
*CYCLOSPORINS
*THERAPEUTICS
- Language
- ISSN
- 0363-0269
Hyperhemolysis syndrome in patients with sickle cell disease who are given compatible blood has been well described in the literature but a similar condition complicating pregnancy in β-thalassemia (β-thal) has not been reported. Pregnancy itself or continuation of blood transfusions can further exacerbate the condition which may become life-threatening. The exact mechanism of hyperhemolysis is not well understood. A bystander hemolysis mechanism has been proposed. Treatment with steroids, immunoglobulins and cyclosporin can be life saving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]