Transfusion in sickle cell disease: experience from a Gujarat centre

Following impressions that the use of blood transfusion in sickle cell disease may be inappropriately high, transfusion practice at a major blood bank in an area of high prevalence of sickle cell disease was assessed.

Retrospective review of blood usage in sickle cell disease at a major blood bank in south Gujarat in 2010 was conducted with prospective more detailed data collection over 18 wk period (April 7 through August 15) in 2011. The results were compared with transfusion usage in the Jamaican Sickle Cell Clinic.

In 2010, this blood bank processed a total of 19,037 units of which 384 (5.2 %) units were for patients with sickle cell disease. Median transfusion use was 1 unit but 16 patients (4.2 %) of those transfused received 10 units or more and five patients received over 20 units. More detailed prospective analysis revealed that most transfusions occurred between ages 5-15 y, 40 % of subjects had pretransfusion hemoglobin levels below 6 g/dL, symptoms were generally vague such as fever, bone pain, weakness and that 26 % denied any specific symptoms.

Transfusion usage greatly exceeds that in the Jamaican Sickle Cell Clinic. Transfusion therapy carries risks and cost and more detailed investigation and diagnosis of anemic episodes is necessary to define the role of transfusion among other potential therapies. Eventually, guidelines evolved by Indian specialists should determine the indications for transfusion in sickle cell disease.