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6) Splenic sequestration crisis
This is a life-threatening problem that primarily affects children. These pediatric patients have an underlying condition known as sickle cell disease. They also have beta-thalassemia. In other words, their red blood cells are defective, and their hemoglobin has alterations, too. In these cases, the abnormal erythrocytes become trapped, hemoglobin levels drop, and patients develop hypovolemic shock. The mortality risk is 15% in these cases, and surviving children often develop scarring and fibrosis in the spleen susceptible to auto-infarcts in their adult years.
