Introduction:
Sickle cell anemia is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder that affects approximately 5% of the world population. It is commonly prevalent among African Americans. However, it is also seen in Southern Europe, India, and the Middle East [1,2]. Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is characterized by its recurrent vaso-occlusive crises which may lead to multi-organ damage and reduction in survival rate [3]. These patients are at greater risk for developing malignancies especially hematological malignancy, particularly Hodgkin’s lymphoma [4], which has a great impact on perioperative management.
Advanced cardiopulmonary disorder has appeared as a leading cause of death [5] with improvements in diagnostic and surgical techniques along with anesthetic management skills, there is a substantial increase in patients with SCD who undergo cardiac surgery [2].
Patients with SCD especially the homozygous type, whom are assigned for cardiac surgery are at greater risk for potentially lethal vaso-occlusive crises that can be triggered by hypoxia, hypothermia, acidosis, or low-flow states. All of which can be provoked by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), which may increase the likelihood of significant postoperative complications [1].