Acute Chest Syndrome In A Patient With Sickle Cell Anemia Successfully Treated With Erythrocytapheresis

Abstract

Acute chest syndrome is a serious complication and one of the causes of mortality in sickle cell disease. Seventeen years-old male was admitted to hematology clinic with acute chest pain and hemolytic crisis. He was treated with intravenous fluid and nasal oxygen supplementation. Chest pain was sustained and brain confusion with severe hypoxemia developed after 12 hours of hospitalization. The patient was transferred suddenly to intensive care unit of our hospital. Endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation was initiated. In spite of respiratory and medical support, his medical status worsened, so red cell exchange transfusion was made. Brain functions, other vital parameters, and organ functions were turned to normal after treatment. We conclude that the physician should be alert if the patient with sickle cell disease being hypoxic and we believe that red cell exchange transfusion is effective treatment modality in these patients.