What is splenic sequestration?
Splenic sequestration is a condition that causes the spleen to fill with blood and become large and tender. Children with sickle cell disease can have a spleen which is slightly enlarged all the time. Splenic sequestration causes the spleen to become too big and can be very dangerous. This condition usually happens in younger children but could occur at any age. This is a serious complication that usually requires hospitalization. What causes splenic sequestration? Splenic sequestration happens when sickled red blood cells get trapped in the small blood vessels in the spleen. Blood that normally flows through the spleen gets trapped and causes the spleen to get bigger and bigger. With more blood trapped in the spleen, there is less blood to flow through the rest of the body. This causes your child’s hemoglobin to drop, sometimes to a dangerously low level. What are the symptoms of splenic sequestration? • Large spleen or bulge on the left side of belly • More tired than usual • Dizzine
