Treatment
- Transfusion – All patients require immediate, aggressive transfusion therapy, usually
with acute red cell exchange transfusion. Patients with hemoglobin level of > 7g/dl should
primarily be treated with erythrocytopheresis or manual red cell exchange. If the hemoglobin
level is < 7 g/dl and rapidly falling, simple transfusion of packed red cells to maintain a
hemoglobin of 10g/dl may be adequate.
- Support – Intensive medical support is required. Narcan is given as a trial to reverse
potential narcotic suppression. Oxygen therapy is indicated for hypoxia with monitoring by
frequent blood gases or continuous transcutaneous oximetry. Intubation with mechanical
ventilation is often required to maintain adequate oxygenation. Fluids and electrolytes must be
used judiciously based on continuous monitoring of input and output and frequent electrolyte
determinations. Acute dialysis may be required for volume overload or uncontrollable electrolyte
levels.
- Antibiotics - Empiric treatment with antibiotics is indicated after appropriate cultures have
been obtained. Third generation cephalosporins with activity against S. pneumoniae and H.
influenzae are good initial choices, however, penicillin or ampicillin may be appropriate based
on sputum smear findings and local patterns of H. influenzae sensitivity. Empiric addition of a
macrolide antibiotic (erythromycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin) should also be considered
because Chlamydia and Mycoplasma infections are common. Antibiotic changes are based on
response to therapy and results of cultures and sensitivities.