Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center of Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Liver transplantation in the setting of sickle-cell anaemia poses several new challenges to the transplant team. Hypoxaemia, acidosis and a decrease in body temperature are common occurrences that can cause sickling in the peri-operative period, putting the patient at risk of sickle-cell crises or graft dysfunction. We describe a patient with sickle-cell anaemia who successfully underwent transplantation, and we discuss the rationale of various precautions that had to be taken.
