Sequestration crisis occurs in SCD when large numbers of RBCs are suddenly pooled in the spleen and liver. These organs can enlarge rapidly causing pain, hypoxemia, and hypovolemic shock.
Treatment of sequestration crisis may include chronic transfusion, exchange transfusion, and/or splenectomy, depending on the patient's age and the severity of the sequestration (as determined by the hemoglobin level and degree of drop in hemoglobin).
