[Delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction: About 3 patients with sickle cell disease]

The use of a red blood cell transfusion in a patient with major sickle cell disease is sometimes necessary. The occurrence of delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction is a rare but potentially serious complication. This event can occur at any age. It is probably under diagnosed due to the difficulty in diagnosis with few specific signs.

We describe in this article the clinical, biological, and hazards of therapeutic management of three cases of delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction in sickle cell disease patients. The high performance chromatography, which evaluates the percentage of HbA1, is the biological investigation used to establish the diagnosis of this event. The pathophysiology of this event remains still poorly understood. Several treatments have been used during this event. However, the therapeutic management remains controversial.

Transfusion in any patient likely to suffer from delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction is not recommended because of the risk of worsening this reaction. Prevention of recurrence is essential.