Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for curative treatment of sickle cell anemia in adolescents

Abstract

Objective: To present a favorable outcome in a patient with sickle cell anemia, who was benefited by an allogeneic bone marrow transplant, donated by his brother. Case details: This is a 16-year-old patient diagnosed with alloimmunized sickle cell anemia, on a regular transfusion schedule due to transcranial Doppler changes indicating a high risk of stroke. He underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation with an Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) matched sibling donor. The transplant took place properly. The patient evolved well with complete resolution of symptoms and improved quality of life. Final considerations: In sickle cell anemia, erythrocytes acquire a sickle shape, which makes them inflexible and with a reduced half-life, which leads to an increase in reticulocytes, which consequently leads to hemolytic anemia, vaso-occlusive crises that can lead to transient target organ damage. or permanent due to constant hypoxia. The only curative approach to sickle cell anemia is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the benefits are establishing recipient erythropoiesis, stabilizing or restoring organ functions, and preventing morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is important that the success of treatment with bone marrow transplantation in patients with sickle cell anemia is published in the medical literature.