Current issues with blood transfusions in sickle cell disease

EP Vichinsky - Seminars in hematology, 2001 - Elsevier
With increased recognition of the profound morbidity of sickle cell disease and with growing
evidence of the efficacy of transfusion therapy in prevention and treatment of sickle cell
complications, most patients now receive intermittent transfusion therapy. The purpose of
this report is to review blood component therapy and its risks for sickle cell patients. Packed
red cells are the preferred blood component. Leukocyte-reduced units should be standard
because of their beneficial effects in reducing alloimmunization, transfusion reactions …