An Interesting Case of Lobar Pneumonia

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited haemoglobinopathy that may present acutely as stroke, vaso-occlusive crisis or acute chest syndrome. Acute conditions require prompt diagnosis and intensive management to prevent morbidity and mortality. Here, we present a case of sickle cell anemia treated with therapeutic red cell exchange that manifested as acute chest syndrome. A 26 year old male who had history of high-grade intermittent fever and cough with expectoration was diagnosed as pneumonia and put on antibiotics. Peripheral smear showed sickle cells and HPLC showed HbS of 67%. we made a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia with acute chest syndrome. We treated the patient with therapeutic red cell exchange following which HbS reduced to 24% from the initial 67%. We observed significant clinical improvement suggesting red cell exchange as a useful therapeutic option for acute sickle cell anaemia.