Management of cesarean delivery in a parturient with sickle cell disease

Abstract

Chronic hemolysis and intermittent vaso-occlusion in sickle cell disease can lead to recurrent blood transfusions with related complications such as antibody formation and rarely, life-threatening reactions. We report a case of a parturient who presented with complications of sickle cell disease and who later had fetal compromise that required an emergent cesarean delivery. Complex management decisions were made, aided by technologies such as rotational thromboelastometry, quantitative blood loss analysis and cell salvage.

Keywords: Cell salvage; Cesarean delivery; Hyperhemolysis syndrome; Pregnancy; Sickle cell anemia.