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Red blood cell exchange in patients with sickle cell disease—indications and management: a review and consensus report by the therapeutic apheresis subsection of the AABB
Author(s) -
Biller Elizabeth,
Zhao Yong,
Berg Mary,
Boggio Lisa,
Capocelli Kelley E.,
Fang Deanna C.,
Koepsell Scott,
MusicAplenc Lejla,
Pham Huy P.,
Treml Angela,
Weiss John,
Wool Geoffrey,
Baron Beverly W.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1111/trf.14806
Subject(s) - apheresis , medicine , hyperviscosity , hematocrit , disease , intensive care medicine , anemia , blood management , red blood cell , hemoglobin , red cell , blood viscosity , blood transfusion , immunology , platelet
BACKGROUND A prior practice survey revealed variations in the management of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and stressed the need for comprehensive guidelines. Here we discuss: 1) common indications for red blood cell exchange (RCE), 2) options for access, 3) how to prepare the red blood cells (RBCs) to be used for RCE, 4) target hemoglobin (Hb) and/or hematocrit (Hct) and HbS level, 5) RBC depletion/RCE, and 6) some complications that may ensue. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Fifteen physicians actively practicing apheresis from 14 institutions representing different areas within the United States discussed how they manage RCE for patients with SCD. RESULTS Simple transfusion is recommended to treat symptomatic anemia with Hb level of less than 9 g/dL. RCE is indicated to prevent or treat complications arising from the presence of HbS. The most important goals are reduction of HbS while also preventing hyperviscosity. The usual goals are a target HbS level of not more than 30% and Hct level of less than 30%. CONCLUSION Although a consensus as to protocol details may not be possible, there are areas of agreement in the management of these patients, for example, that it is optimal to avoid hyperviscosity and iron overload, that a target Hb S level in the range of 30% is generally desirable, and that RCE as an acute treatment for pain crisis in the absence of other acute or chronic conditions is ordinarily discouraged.