Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
05:23
Continuous Manual Exchange Transfusion for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: An Efficient Method to Avoid Iron Overload
Published on: March 14, 2017
Red Blood Cell Exchange in Sickle Cell Disease Care: A Comprehensive Review
Mahtab Mashayekhi1, Mojtaba Akhtari2, Akshat Jain3
1Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, USA.
Summary
Erythrocytapheresis (RBC exchange) effectively manages sickle cell disease by removing sickled red blood cells. This therapy improves patient quality of life and reduces hospitalizations, offering significant benefits for chronic care and emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Sickle cell anemia (SCD) management relies on interventions like erythrocytapheresis (RBC exchange or RBCX).
- RBCX is crucial for both chronic prophylaxis and managing SCD emergencies.
- It removes sickled red blood cells (RBCs) and lowers hemoglobin S (HbS) levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical efficacy and long-term outcomes of chronic RBC exchange in managing SCD complications.
- To explore advancements in apheresis technology and personalized transfusion for RBCX.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical efficacy and long-term outcomes of chronic RBC exchange.
- Exploration of advancements in apheresis technology and personalized transfusion.
Main Results:
- RBCX minimizes iron and fluid overload compared to simple transfusion.
- Chronic RBCX improves oxygenation, reduces hospitalizations, and enhances quality of life in SCD patients.
- Advances in technology enhance the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of RBCX.
Conclusions:
- RBC exchange is a cornerstone therapy for SCD, managing acute events and improving chronic outcomes.
- Continued advancements promise further improvements in RBCX safety and effectiveness.
- Long-term RBCX offers substantial benefits for patients with sickle cell disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Disorders of Erythrocytes
Disorders of erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), include a range of conditions affecting their number, shape, or function.
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
01:20Respiration and Gaseous Exchange
The intricate interplay between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems is crucial for efficiently transporting respiratory gases throughout the body. Let us explore the cardiovascular system's multifaceted functions, emphasizing its pivotal role in gas exchange.
Respiration involves the exchange of gases, especially oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), between the alveoli and body cells, a process facilitated by blood circulation. As a result, the cardiovascular system, which involves the...
Respiration involves the exchange of gases, especially oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), between the alveoli and body cells, a process facilitated by blood circulation. As a result, the cardiovascular system, which involves the...
01:15Blood Transfusion
Blood transfusion is a critical medical procedure that saves lives and treats various medical conditions. It involves transferring blood from a donor to a recipient. This process requires a thorough understanding of the ABO blood group system and its associated antigens and antibodies.
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...
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...
01:22Lifecycle of Erythrocytes
Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, constantly move through blood capillaries. As a result, they damage their plasma membrane due to the continuous friction. Typically, after 100 to 120 days, erythrocytes become rigid and fragile as they wear out. As they pass through small vessels in the spleen and liver, they can get trapped and break apart into fragments.
The resident phagocytic macrophages deal with these damaged cells by engulfing them and separating their globin and heme groups.
The resident phagocytic macrophages deal with these damaged cells by engulfing them and separating their globin and heme groups.
01:26Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) is an essential intervention for patients experiencing severe kidney dysfunction. This therapy offers a continuous mechanism for removing fluids and toxins from the bloodstream, leveraging the patient’s blood pressure to facilitate filtration through a specialized filter. This method contrasts with intermittent dialysis, providing a gentler and more consistent removal of waste products and excess fluid, which is particularly beneficial in critically...
01:14Erythropoiesis
Red blood cells (RBCs) transport oxygen to all body tissues. These cells survive only for 120 days and then need to be replenished. Erythropoiesis is the process of RBC production. In healthy individuals, erythropoiesis ensures all tissues are amply supplied with oxygen. In addition, blood loss due to injury leads to a drop in the physiological oxygen level that will cause erythropoiesis. Any defect in erythropoiesis leads to several physiological disorders, including thalassemia, anemia, and...