Splenic regrowth in sickle cell anaemia following hypertransfusion

Abstract

We describe five adult patients with sickle cell anaemia (SS) who developed clinical, radiological and histological evidence of splenic regrowth while receiving regular blood transfusions. Five patients, all homozygous SS, range 23-34 years, were commenced on hypertransfusion therapy. Three patients were transfused because of severe recurrent vaso-occlusive crises, one for chronic sickle lung and one in an attempt to prevent deterioration of renal function. The mean duration of hypertransfusion prior to documentation of splenic regrowth was 52 months (range 12-97 months). Two patients developed significant hypersplenism. One patient had clinically-apparent splenomegaly and four patients had splenomegaly documented on ultrasound. Splenic regrowth in hypertransfused adults with sickle cell anaemia is not infrequent and may have important clinical implications.