Management of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease Using Transfusion Therapy: Guidelines and Complications.
Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion therapy is a key component of comprehensive management of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and has increased over time as a means of primary and secondary stroke prevention. RBC transfusions also prove to be lifesaving for many acute sickle cell-related complications. Although episodic and chronic transfusion therapy has significantly improved the morbidity and mortality of patients with SCD, transfusions are not without adverse effects. This review addresses RBC transfusion methods, evidence-based and/or expert panel-based consensus on indications for chronic and episodic transfusion indications, and strategies to prevent and manage transfusion-related complications.
Department of Pediatrics, Abramson Research Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 316D, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Electronic address: chous@email.chop.edu.
Stella T
ST
Chou
Transfusion, Tissue, & Apheresis, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Grady Health System Transfusion Services, Departments of Clinical Pathology and Pediatric Hematology, Emory University School of Medicine, 7105B Woodruff Memorial Building, 101 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Electronic address: ross.fasano@emory.edu.
Ross M
RM
Fasano
D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
Alloimmunization; Iron overload; Red blood cell transfusion; Sickle cell disease