Transfusion therapy (Sickle-cell disease) Transfusion therapy (Sickle-cell disease) Red blood cells (erythrocytes) from donors contain normal hemoglobin (HbA), and transfusion of normal red blood cells into people with sickle cell disease reduces the percentage of red cells in the circulation containing the abnormal hemoglobin (HbS). Although transfusion of donor red blood cells can ameliorate and even prevent complications of sickle cell disease in certain circumstances, transfusion therapy is not universally beneficial in sickle cell disease. There are two main types of transfusion, simple red cell transfusion and exchange transfusion. Involves transfusing red blood cells without removing any of the patient’s blood. Exchange transfusion involves
Neonatal red cell transfusion baby (e.g. wristband). Paedipacks are multiple aliquots made from one adult blood donation. By using paedipacks, the baby is exposed to blood from fewer blood donors. ABO blood grouping and screening for antibodies in neonates differs from blood grouping in adults and older children. Any antibodies detected are the mother's antibodies rather than the baby's. Therefore, any donor blood given to the baby must be ABO and D compatible with both mother and baby; and antigen-negative for any clinically significant maternal antibodies. Necrotising enterocolitis may occur after a red cell transfusion in neonates, although there is an association between the