title: Hyperhemolysis syndrome complicating pregnancy in homozygous δβ-thalassemia.
abstract: Hyperhemolysis syndrome in patients with sickle cell disease who are given compatible blood has been well described in the literature but a similar condition complicating pregnancy in β-thalassemia (β-thal) has not been reported. Pregnancy itself or continuation of blood transfusions can further exacerbate the condition which may become life-threatening. The exact mechanism of hyperhemolysis is not well understood. A bystander hemolysis mechanism has been proposed. Treatment with steroids, immunoglobulins and cyclosporin can be life saving.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, Lancashire, UK. jmechery@nhs.net
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mechery
authors.forename: Kehinde
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Abidogun
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Crosfill
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jip
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006461:Hemolysis; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013577:Syndrome; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055546:delta-Globins / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D007136:Immunoglobulins; D013256:Steroids; D055546:delta-Globins; D016572:Cyclosporine