Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy during Pregnancy for Critical Anemia Secondary to Sickle Cell Disease with Post-Transfusion Hyperhemolysis: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell disease is the most common human monogenetic disease, and its risks are amplified during pregnancy. Methods: This report describes a 35-year-old woman with HgbSS sickle cell disease who developed hyperhemolysis syndrome after undergoing an exchange transfusion during pregnancy. Results: In addition to conventional medical treatment, the patient received prepartum hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), totaling 17 treatments for the indication of severe anemia. She experienced significant clinical improvement while undergoing HBOT and ultimately delivered a healthy preterm infant by cesarean section. Conclusions: The risks, benefits, and challenges of using HBOT in this unique context are discussed.

Keywords

• hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• HBOT
• pregnancy
• sickle cell disease
• hyperhemolysis syndrome