Blood transfusions for treating acute chest syndrome in people with sickle cell disease.
BACKGROUND
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited autosomal recessive blood condition and is one of the most prevalent genetic blood diseases worldwide. Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a frequent complication of sickle cell disease, as well as a major cause of morbidity and the greatest single cause of mortality in children with SCD. Standard treatment may include intravenous hydration, oxygen as treatment for hypoxia, antibiotics to treat the infectious cause and blood transfusions may be given.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of blood transfusions, simple and exchange, for treating ACS by comparing improvement in symptoms and clinical outcomes against standard care.


METHODS
We searched The Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register, which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearching of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.Most recent search: 27 March 2009.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing either simple or exchange transfusion versus standard care (no transfusion) in people with sickle cell disease suffering from acute chest syndrome.


METHODS
No studies were identified for inclusion in the review.


RESULTS
No studies were identified for inclusion in the review.


CONCLUSIONS
There is currently no reliable evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of blood transfusions as treatment options for acute chest syndrome in people with sickle cell disease. Well-designed, adequately-powered randomised controlled trials are now required to assess the benefits and risks of this form of treatment.
Alhashimi
Dunia
D
Paediatrics, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Box 12, Manama, Bahrain.
Fedorowicz
Zbys
Z
Alhashimi
Fatima
F
Dastgiri
Saeed
S
D056586:Acute Chest Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D006801:Humans