[Hyphema with secondary hemorrhage: think about sickle cell disease]

A Karim1, M Laghmari, M Dahreddine

  • 1Service d'Ophtalmologie A, Hôpital des Spécialités, Rabat, Maroc. abdelouahedkarim@hotmail.com

Insights

Sickle cell trait in children with traumatic hyphema can lead to severe complications like secondary hemorrhage and vision loss. Prompt recognition and management are crucial for better visual outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatrics
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Traumatic hyphema is a common eye injury in children.
  • Sickle cell trait is a genetic condition affecting red blood cells.

Observation:

  • A 13-year-old boy with sickle cell trait developed secondary hemorrhage and increased intraocular pressure after blunt eye trauma.
  • The condition required surgical intervention due to uncontrolled intraocular pressure.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced significant retinal hemorrhage and optic atrophy.
  • Hemoglobin electrophoresis confirmed sickle cell trait.

Implications:

  • Sickle cell trait is a critical risk factor for severe complications in pediatric traumatic hyphema.
  • This case highlights the need for screening and careful monitoring in at-risk children.
  • Early diagnosis and management can potentially improve visual prognosis.

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