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. 2022 Jun;22(2):75-78.
doi: 10.4314/ahs.v22i2.9.

Use of exchange blood transfusion in the management of severe COVID-19 infection in pregnancy: experience from Lagos, Nigeria

Bosede Bukola Afolabi  1   2 , Christian Chigozie Makwe  1   2 , Kehinde Sharafadeen Okunade  1   2 , Olanrewaju Nurudeen Akanmu  3 , Iorhen Ephraim Akase  4 , Oluwakemi Otokiti  5 , Abiola Bolarinwa  5 , Francis Ezenwankwo  2 , Gabriel Olalekan Oyeleke  6 , Beatrice Nkolika Ezenwa  6   7 , Oluwaseun Martins-Akinlose  8 , Titus Ogundare  9 , Augustine Iloka  9 , Alani Sulaimon Akanmu  5   10
Affiliations

Use of exchange blood transfusion in the management of severe COVID-19 infection in pregnancy: experience from Lagos, Nigeria

Bosede Bukola Afolabi et al. Afr Health Sci. 2022 Jun.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents with symptoms that may be mild or severe. The individual with the severe form of the disease usually presents with a constellation of respiratory symptoms typical of acute respiratory distress syndrome. In this report, we present our experience of the successful management of an oxygen-dependent pregnant woman with severe COVID-19 infection who had 2 sessions of partial exchange blood transfusion. We discussed the principles that informed this intervention and the need to adopt this novel approach in the care of severe COVID-19 infection.

Keywords: ARDS; COVID-19; EBT; Exchange blood transfusion and pregnancy; Nigeria.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A – Chest Xray film at presentation showing multiple consolidations in the middle and lower zones predominantly and increased vascular markings B – Chest X-ray film at discharge showing subtle consolidations in the upper lung zones.
Figure 2
Figure 2
A – Patient red cells showing Heinz bodies pre-exchange transfusion X100 B – Patient red cells 4 days post-exchange transfusion (Heinz bodies hardly visible) X100
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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