Preanesthesia transfusion and sickle cell anemia patients: case report and controversies

Preoperative transfusion of sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients prior to general anesthesia is considered a routine procedure to ensure adequate levels of normal adult hemoglobin A to prevent a sickle cell crisis. Blood transfusion risks have led some clinicians to question this procedure. A case report is presented in which a SCA patient developed a delayed hemolytic reaction from a transfusion given prior to dental treatment under general anesthesia. The controversy of transfusion in this patient group is presented.