Hyperhemolysis Syndrome without Underlying Hematologic Disease

Introduction. Hyperhemolysis is characterized by a life-threatening hemolytic transfusion reaction, with hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) dropping markedly lower than before transfusion. This phenomenon, commonly described in sickle cell disease, is a rare occurrence in patients without hemoglob...

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Main Authors: Lauren Anne Eberly, Diaa Osman, Nathaniel Perryman Collins
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2015-01-01
Series:Case Reports in Hematology
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/180526
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author Lauren Anne Eberly
Diaa Osman
Nathaniel Perryman Collins
author_facet Lauren Anne Eberly
Diaa Osman
Nathaniel Perryman Collins
author_sort Lauren Anne Eberly
collection DOAJ
description Introduction. Hyperhemolysis is characterized by a life-threatening hemolytic transfusion reaction, with hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) dropping markedly lower than before transfusion. This phenomenon, commonly described in sickle cell disease, is a rare occurrence in patients without hemoglobinopathies. Case Report. A 55-year-old male presented to the hospital after a motorcycle crash and received 10 units of cross-matched blood for active bleeding. The patient was blood group O, with a negative antibody screen. Ten days later, he represented complaining of dyspnea and was found to have a hematocrit of 12%. The direct antiglobulin test was positive for anti-immunoglobin G and complement. Indirect antiglobulin test was positive for anti-Jka alloantibodies. The presence of Jka antigen was revealed in one unit of previously transfused blood; patient’s RBCs were negative for the Jka antigen. Laboratory data demonstrated findings consistent with DHTR, as well as reticulopenia and elevated ferritin levels. He continued to show signs of active hemolysis, requiring a total of 4 subsequent units of pRBCs. Each transfusion precipitated a drop in Hb and Hct to levels lower than before transfusion; once transfusions were held, the patient slowly recovered. Discussion. Hyperhemolysis in the setting of a DHTR can occur in patients without hematologic disease.
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spelling doaj-art-655e5471579d4eff9263e5575bff7a072025-02-03T01:11:27ZengWileyCase Reports in Hematology2090-65602090-65792015-01-01201510.1155/2015/180526180526Hyperhemolysis Syndrome without Underlying Hematologic DiseaseLauren Anne Eberly0Diaa Osman1Nathaniel Perryman Collins2Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USADepartment of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USADepartment of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USAIntroduction. Hyperhemolysis is characterized by a life-threatening hemolytic transfusion reaction, with hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) dropping markedly lower than before transfusion. This phenomenon, commonly described in sickle cell disease, is a rare occurrence in patients without hemoglobinopathies. Case Report. A 55-year-old male presented to the hospital after a motorcycle crash and received 10 units of cross-matched blood for active bleeding. The patient was blood group O, with a negative antibody screen. Ten days later, he represented complaining of dyspnea and was found to have a hematocrit of 12%. The direct antiglobulin test was positive for anti-immunoglobin G and complement. Indirect antiglobulin test was positive for anti-Jka alloantibodies. The presence of Jka antigen was revealed in one unit of previously transfused blood; patient’s RBCs were negative for the Jka antigen. Laboratory data demonstrated findings consistent with DHTR, as well as reticulopenia and elevated ferritin levels. He continued to show signs of active hemolysis, requiring a total of 4 subsequent units of pRBCs. Each transfusion precipitated a drop in Hb and Hct to levels lower than before transfusion; once transfusions were held, the patient slowly recovered. Discussion. Hyperhemolysis in the setting of a DHTR can occur in patients without hematologic disease.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/180526
spellingShingle Lauren Anne Eberly
Diaa Osman
Nathaniel Perryman Collins
Hyperhemolysis Syndrome without Underlying Hematologic Disease
Case Reports in Hematology
title Hyperhemolysis Syndrome without Underlying Hematologic Disease
title_full Hyperhemolysis Syndrome without Underlying Hematologic Disease
title_fullStr Hyperhemolysis Syndrome without Underlying Hematologic Disease
title_full_unstemmed Hyperhemolysis Syndrome without Underlying Hematologic Disease
title_short Hyperhemolysis Syndrome without Underlying Hematologic Disease
title_sort hyperhemolysis syndrome without underlying hematologic disease
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/180526
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AT nathanielperrymancollins hyperhemolysissyndromewithoutunderlyinghematologicdisease