Eculizumab for management of hyperhemolysis syndrome in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease: A single-center case series.
Ajibike LapiteSaleh BharTitilope FasipePublished in: Pediatric blood & cancer (2024)
Chronic hemolytic anemia and vascular occlusion are hallmarks of sickle cell disease (SCD). Blood transfusions are critical for supportive and preventive management of SCD complications. Patients with SCD are at risk for hyperhemolysis syndrome (HHS), a subtype of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions. HHS management includes intravenous immunoglobulin, corticosteroids, and avoidance of further transfusions. Not all patients respond to first-line agents. Eculizumab, which blocks terminal complement activation, has been proposed as second-line management of HHS. We describe two patients who received eculizumab for refractory HHS. In our experience, eculizumab is a safe and effective option for refractory pediatric HHS.