Hyperhemolysis syndrome in patients with sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disease commonly affecting people of African, Indian, and Mediterranean descent. Patients with this chronic disease often require lifelong red blood cell transfusions. Formation of alloantibodies and autoantibodies are well-known complications that can arise with multiple transfusions. Another rare, but serious complication associated with transfusion is hyperhemolysis syndrome. The acquisition of new and/or rare alloantibodies can make it more difficult to find compatible blood products for patients with sickle cell disease. Genotyping and national donor registries are useful tools for finding appropriate blood products for these patients. This review will describe the clinical and laboratory findings of sickle cell disease, including hyperhemolysis syndrome. The challenges associated with locating compatible blood for patients with various red blood cell antibodies will be reviewed.