Delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction and hyperhaemolysis complicating peri-operative blood transfusion in sickle cell disease

We present a case of delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction and hyperhaemolysis syndrome in a patient with sickle cell disease. A 32-year-old woman with a history of sickle cell disease was scheduled for total hip replacement. She was transfused pre-operatively and suffered a delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction. Postoperatively the patient continued to haemolyse, despite the use of antigen compatible blood, suggesting that she had developed hyperhaemolysis syndrome following her delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction. Although rare, both conditions must be borne in mind when dealing with patients who have undergone multiple transfusions.