COVID‐19 pneumonia as a cause of acute chest syndrome in an adult sickle cell patient

Abstract

Given the higher likelihood of ACS and respiratory complications amongst SCD patients during the H1N1 outbreak, it is possible that SCD patients are also at higher risk of such complications from COVID-19, particularly those with a history of pulmonary comorbidities. However, it is unclear if the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic will lead to increased rates of ACS for sickle cell patients. Still, hospitalized sickle cell patients should be monitored closely for development of ACS and if this occurs, exchange transfusion should be promptly initiated.

COVID‐19 and thalassaemia: A position statement of the Thalassaemia International Federation

“…The information provided herein is relevant to patients with (a) homozygous β‐thalassaemia, including thalassaemia major and intermedia; (b) combined forms of thalassaemia, such as β‐thalassaemia/HbE; (c) α‐thalassaemia, particularly HbH, the most clinically significant form. At this stage, sickle cell syndromes will not be further discussed, even though patients affected are expected to be at greater risk of COVID‐19 complications due to the danger of the virus triggering an acute chest syndrome as well as vascular complications 6–8 …”

Dramatic improvement after tocilizumab of severe COVID‐19 in a child with sickle cell disease and acute chest syndrome

“…To date, SARS-Cov-2 infection has been reported to cause ACS in four adult patients with SCD. [1][2][3] We recently managed two teenage SCD patients with ACS and COVID-19, including the presented case.…”

Care of patients with hemoglobin disorders during the COVID‐19 pandemic: An overview of recommendations

“…3 A series of isolated cases of ACS in SCD patients positive for COVID-19 has been recently reported. 4,5 Therefore, very little clinical experience of infected patients with SCD currently exists. For this reason, we believe that certain recommendations must be followed by healthcare professionals treating any SCD patient infected with SARS-CoV-2.…”