Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Continuous Manual Exchange Transfusion for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: An Efficient Method to Avoid Iron Overload
Published on: March 14, 2017
Blood transfusion usage among adults with sickle cell disease - a single institution experience over ten years
Emma Drasar1, Norris Igbineweka, Nisha Vasavda
1Molecular Haematology, Division of Gene and Cell Based Therapy, King's College London School of Medicine, Denmark Hill, London, UK.
Transfusion of red blood cells is a major therapeutic option in sickle cell disease (SCD). There is strong evidence for its efficacy, particularly in primary and secondary stroke prevention in children, however, its use in other areas remains controversial. This study assessed the patterns of transfusion in the adult cohort attending King's College Hospital over a 10-year period, from 2000 to 2009. Total blood usage has increased significantly (P = 0·006) during this time, with 78% of the blood received by only 6% of the patients. The increase is explained by increased automated red cell exchange and increased usage for planned and acute transfusions for sickle-related complications.
Transfusion of red blood cells is a major therapeutic option in sickle cell disease (SCD). There is strong evidence for its efficacy, particularly in primary and secondary stroke prevention in children, however, its use in other areas remains controversial. This study assessed the patterns of transfusion in the adult cohort attending King's College Hospital over a 10-year period, from 2000 to 2009. Total blood usage has increased significantly (P = 0·006) during this time, with 78% of the blood received by only 6% of the patients. The increase is explained by increased automated red cell exchange and increased usage for planned and acute transfusions for sickle-related complications.
Related Concept Videos
Blood Transfusion and Agglutination
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
Blood Transfusion
Blood Transfusion Overview
A blood transfusion is a medical procedure used to replace blood lost due to injury, surgery, or to treat conditions such as anemia or cancer. During a transfusion, donor blood is...
Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
Tissue Transplantation
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...
Blood Typing
Antigens are protein molecules that reside on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The ABO and Rh blood typing systems target antigens A,...
