[Splenectomy in a patient with beta thalassemia intermedia and severe hemolytic anemia].

A 36-year-old woman with beta thalassemia intermedia suffered a hemolytic crisis secondary to Epstein-Barr virus infection. She was given a transfusion of phenotypically compatible blood. However, severe hemolysis persisted (with hemoglobin levels around 4 g/dl) in spite of gamma globulin and corticosteroid administration. Emergency therapeutic splenectomy was performed. We discuss intraoperative management in situations of severe anemia, concluding that it is possible to survive significant decreases in hemoglobin concentration with cardiocirculatory reserve and respiration intact, maintaining normal volume.