A review of the role of infections in the aetiology of haemolysis in patients with sickle cell diseases: pathogenesis, management, and prevention

*1Ahmed, S. G., and 2Ibrahim, U. A.

1Department of Haematology, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

2Department of Paediatrics, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: drsagirahmed@yahoo.com

 

Abstract:

 Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with chronic haemolysis, immuno-suppression and suscepti- bility to infections, which may trigger infection-associated haemolysis (IAH). SCD patients are vulnerable to anaemic effect of IAH due to vicious interaction between pre-existing ‘inherited’ chronic haemolysis and ‘acquired’ IAH. IAH in SCD manifests as febrile haemolytic crisis with clinical and laboratory features of severe anaemia or pancytopenia. Clinico-pathological perspectives of IAH in SCD are fragmented. This review presents a comprehen- sive but concise overview of pathogenesis, management and prevention of IAH in SCD. Continue reading “A review of the role of infections in the aetiology of haemolysis in patients with sickle cell diseases: pathogenesis, management, and prevention”