Sickle Cell Anemia Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Sickle Cell Anemia, including details on genetics, causes, symptoms.

Acute splenic sequestration crisis in an adult with sickle beta-thalassemia.

Koduri PR, Kovarik P

Acute splenic sequestration crisis (ASSC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children with sickle cell disease. Reports of ASSC in adults with sickle beta-thalassemia (S-beta(thal)) are rare and consist of isolated case reports comprising a total of seven patients, three of whom died during the crisis. We report a 22-year-old man with S-beta(thal) who developed ASSC 1 day after suffering multiple blunt trauma. Systemic inflammatory response to severe blunt trauma may have precipitated ASSC in our patient. ASSC in adults with S-beta(thal) is a potentially life-threatening complication with a high risk of recurrence. Splenectomy is recommended after the first attack of ASSC in adults with S-beta(thal).

Published 25 August 2006 in Ann Hematol, 85(9): 633-5.
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