Can Exchange Transfusions Treat Postoperative Intrahepatic Colestasis in Patients With Sickle Cell Anemia?

Intrahepatic cholestasis in sickle cell disease: A review of diagnostic criteria, treatments, and case reports

Objective To delineate the etiology, symptomatology, and treatment of sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis (SCIC). Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most frequently inherited hematologic disease, and SCIC is one rare and often fatal complication and comorbid disease. The literature contains only a small number of case reports involving SCIC and hence limited guidance can be obtained. Methods We reviewed the scientific literature to evaluate the science of SCIC to determine if there were consistencies in presentation, evaluation, treatment, and clinical outcomes. Results We reviewed 6 case reports and a limited number of clinical papers on SCIC. We reported consistencies in clinical presentation and treatment outcomes among cases as well as serological and hematological finding. Conclusions While there is some consistency in the symptom presentation of individuals with SCIC, reliable evaluation and clinical procedures were not demonstrated in what we reviewed. Further research is needed to delineate the attributes of this complicated disease that occurs within SCD.

Sickle Cell Intrahepatic Cholestasis: Extremely Rare but Fatal Complication of Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis (SCIC) is a rare but potentially fatal complication of sickle cell disease (SCD), with high mortality, observed mainly in patients with homozygous sickle cell anemia. Herein, we have reported a case of severe SCIC with a poor outcome despite aggressive measures including exchange transfusion and use of vasopressors.

The patient was admitted with generalized weakness, confusion, rigors, chills, and signs of hepatic failure, such as hyperbilirubinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and coagulopathy. There was no evidence of viral hepatitis or biliary obstruction. The patient received two exchange transfusions, but he continued to deteriorate clinically despite exchange transfusion and developed hemorrhagic shock and multiorgan failure. The patient was made comfort care as per family wishes. This case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis of sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis and poor prognosis despite aggressive measures.

Postoperative acute multiple organ failure after hepatectomy in a Nigerian male with sickle cell trait: a case report

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic disease characterized by sickle hemoglobin (HbS). Patients homozygous for HbS experience symptoms resulting from sickled erythrocytes no later than adolescence. However, heterozygous HbS carriers, or those with the so-called sickle cell trait (SCT), may undergo surgery without their hemoglobinopathy being known.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old Nigerian male with hepatitis C infection underwent radiofrequency ablation therapy for multiple hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) 17 months prior. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) revealed a solitary tumor (3.2 cm) in the medial section of the cirrhotic liver. The Child–Pugh score was five, and the indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min was 17.4%. The nontumorous liver of the medial section accounted for 10% of the total liver volume according to CT volumetry. With the diagnosis of recurrent HCC, left medial sectionectomy was performed under intermittent blood flow occlusion by Pringle’s maneuver. Intraoperative ultrasonography confirmed that hepatic blood flow had been preserved after hepatectomy. However, laboratory tests on postoperative day (POD) 1 revealed severe liver damage: aspartate aminotransferase 9250 IU/L, alanine aminotransferase 6120 IU/L, total bilirubin 2.8 mg/dL, and prothrombin time% 20.9%. The patient’s renal and respiratory functions also deteriorated; therefore, continuous hemodiafiltration and plasma exchange were initiated under mechanical ventilation. Whole-body contrast-enhanced CT showed no apparent ischemia of the remnant liver, but diffuse cerebral infarction was detected. Despite intensive treatments, he died of multiple organ failure on POD 20. The pathological examination of the resected specimen revealed that the intrahepatic peripheral vessels were occluded by sickled erythrocytes. Additionally, chromatographic analysis of hemoglobin detected the presence of abnormal hemoglobin, although microscopic examination of the peripheral blood erythrocytes did not show morphological abnormalities. Based on these findings, we determined that he had SCT and developed vaso-occlusive crisis involving multiple organs just after hepatectomy.

Conclusion

SCD is a rare disease in eastern Asia, but its prevalence is increasing globally. Surgeons should pay increased attention to this disease, especially when performing hepatectomy under blood flow occlusion.

Interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease is the most common hemoglobinopathy occurring worldwide and sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis is a complication long recognized in this population. Cholestatic liver diseases are characterized by impaired formation or excretion (or both) of bile from the liver. There is a need to assess the clinical benefits and harms of the interventions used to treat intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease. This is an update of a previously published Cochrane Review.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of the interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register, which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearching of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. We also searched the LILACS database (1982 to 21 January 2020), the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov (21 January 2020). Date of last search of the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register: 25 November 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We searched for published or unpublished randomised controlled trials.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Each author intended to independently extract data, assess the risk of bias of the trials by standard Cochrane methodologies and assess the quality of the evidence using the GRADE criteria; however, no trials were included in the review.

MAIN RESULTS

We did not identify any randomised controlled trials.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This updated Cochrane Review did not identify any randomised controlled trials assessing interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease. Randomised controlled trials are needed to establish the optimum treatment for this condition.

How I treat the older adult with sickle cell disease

With increasing survival, cumulative complications of sickle cell disease (SCD), which develop insidiously over time, are becoming more apparent and common in older patients, particularly those in their fifth decade and beyond. The older patient is also more likely to develop other age-related nonsickle conditions that interact and add to the disease morbidity. A common misconception is that any symptom in a SCD patient is attributable to their SCD and this may lead to delays in diagnosis and appropriate intervention. We recommend regular comprehensive reviews and monitoring for early signs of organ damage and a low threshold for the use of hydroxyurea and blood transfusions as preventative measures for end-organ disease. Treatable comorbidities and acute deterioration should be managed aggressively. Although the primary goal in management of the older adult with SCD is improving anemia and minimizing organ damage, the time has come for us to be more proactive in considering curative therapies previously offered to the younger patient. Curative or experimental interventions should be discussed early, before complications render the patients ineligible for these treatments.

Interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease is the most common hemoglobinopathy occurring worldwide and sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis is a complication long recognized in this population. Cholestatic liver diseases are characterized by impaired formation or excretion (or both) of bile from the liver. There is a need to assess the clinical benefits and harms of the interventions used to treat intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease. This is an update of a previously published Cochrane Review.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of the interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register, which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearching of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. We also searched the LILACS database (1982 to 23 May 2017), the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal (23 May 2017) and ClinicalTrials.gov.Date of last search of the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register: 12 April 2017.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We searched for published or unpublished randomised controlled trials.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Each author intended to independently extract data and assess the risk of bias of the trials by standard Cochrane methodologies; however, no trials were included in the review.

MAIN RESULTS

There were no randomised controlled trials identified.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This updated Cochrane Review did not identify any randomised controlled trials assessing interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease. Randomised controlled trials are needed to establish the optimum treatment for this condition.

Interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease is the most common hemoglobinopathy occurring worldwide and sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis is a complication long recognized in this population. Cholestatic liver diseases are characterized by impaired formation or excretion (or both) of bile from the liver. There is a need to assess the clinical benefits and harms of the interventions used to treat intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of the interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register, which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearching of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. We also searched the LILACS database (1982 to 7 July 2014) and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal (7 July 2014).Date of last search of the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register: 10 October 2014.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We searched for published or unpublished randomised controlled trials.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Each author intended to independently extract data and assess the risk of bias of the trials by standard Cochrane Collaboration methodologies; however, no trials were included in the review.

MAIN RESULTS

There were no randomised controlled trials identified.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This Cochrane Review did not identify any randomised controlled trials assessing interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease. Randomised controlled trials are needed to establish the optimum treatment for this condition.

Acute liver function decompensation in a patient with sickle cell disease managed with exchange transfusion and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography

Sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis is a relatively uncommon complication of homozygous sickle cell anemia, which may lead to acute hepatic failure and death. Treatment is mainly supportive, but exchange transfusion is used as salvage therapy in life threatening situations. We describe a case of a 16-year-old female with homozygous sickle cell anemia who presented to the emergency room with fatigue, malaise, dark urine, lower back pain, scleral icterus and jaundice. She was found to have marked hyperbilirubinemia, which persisted after exchange transfusion. Because of the concomitant presence of gallstones and choledocholithiasis, the patient underwent endoscopic ultrasound and laparoscopic cholecystectomy followed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and sphincterotomy.

How we treat sickle hepatopathy and liver transplantation in adults

Sickle cell disease (SCD) has evolved into a debilitating disorder with emerging end-organ damage. One of the organs affected is the liver, causing "sickle hepatopathy," an umbrella term for a variety of acute and chronic pathologies. Prevalence of liver dysfunction in SCD is unknown, with estimates of 10%. Dominant etiologies include gallstones, hepatic sequestration, viral hepatitis, and sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis (SCIC). In addition, causes of liver disease outside SCD must be identified and managed. SCIC is an uncommon, severe subtype, with outcome of its acute form having vastly improved with exchange blood transfusion (EBT). In its chronic form, there is limited evidence for EBT programs as a therapeutic option. Liver transplantation may have a role in a subset of patients with minimal SCD-related other organ damage. In the transplantation setting, EBT is important to maintain a low hemoglobin S fraction peri- and posttransplantation. Liver dysfunction in SCD is likely to escalate as life span increases and patients incur incremental transfusional iron overload. Future work must concentrate on not only investigating the underlying pathogenesis, but also identifying in whom and when to intervene with the 2 treatment modalities available: EBT and liver transplantation.

Beyond the definitions of the phenotypic complications of sickle cell disease: an update on management

The sickle hemoglobin is an abnormal hemoglobin due to point mutation (GAG → GTG) in exon 1 of the β globin gene resulting in the substitution of glutamic acid by valine at position 6 of the β globin polypeptide chain. Although the molecular lesion is a single-point mutation, the sickle gene is pleiotropic in nature causing multiple phenotypic expressions that constitute the various complications of sickle cell disease in general and sickle cell anemia in particular. The disease itself is chronic in nature but many of its complications are acute such as the recurrent acute painful crises (its hallmark), acute chest syndrome, and priapism. These complications vary considerably among patients, in the same patient with time, among countries and with age and sex. To date, there is no well-established consensus among providers on the management of the complications of sickle cell disease due in part to lack of evidence and in part to differences in the experience of providers. It is the aim of this paper to review available current approaches to manage the major complications of sickle cell disease. We hope that this will establish another preliminary forum among providers that may eventually lead the way to better outcomes.

Intrahepatic cholestasis in sickle cell disease: a case report

Intrahepatic cholestasis (SCIC) is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication of sickle cell disease (SCD), with a high death rate, observed mainly in patients with homozygous sickle cell anemia. Herein, we describe a case of severe SCIC treated successfully with aggressive manual exchange transfusion (ET). The patient was admitted with enlarged liver and signs of hepatic failure, such as hyperbilirubinemia and coagulopathy. There was no evidence of viral hepatitis or biliary obstruction. We performed several sessions of ET in order to reduce the percentage of HbS to levels inferior to 30%, which was successfully accomplished. The patient had a complete recovery of hepatic function. This case has shown that ET is an effective treatment of SCIC and should be introduced early on the onset of this severe complication.