Trusted Resources: Evidence & Education

Scientific literature and patient education texts

Back to Evidence & Education / Patient Education

Treatment options for sickle cell disease – chronic blood transfusions

key information

source: Sickle Options

year: N/A

summary/abstract:

Blood transfusions are scheduled and given on a regular basis (depending upon the requirement – usually every 4 to 6 weeks). The procedure may be done for months to years as per the doctor’s prescription. Transfused red blood cells live about 50 to 60 days whereas sickle cells live only 10-20 days.

This therapy is given to patients who are at risk of stroke, have a history of stroke, and in conditions when there is chronic pain that is hard to control, etc.

Transfusions to treat acute complications with presence of symptoms are not chronic transfusions and are not given on a regular basis.

 

read more

To improve your experience on this site, we use cookies. This includes cookies essential for the basic functioning of our website, cookies for analytics purposes, and cookies enabling us to personalize site content. By clicking on 'Accept' or any content on this site, you agree that cookies can be placed. You may adjust your browser's cookie settings to suit your preferences. More Information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close

To improve your experience on this site, we use cookies. This includes cookies essential for the basic functioning of our website, cookies for analytics purposes, and cookies enabling us to personalize site content. By clicking on 'Accept' or any content on this site, you agree that cookies can be placed. You may adjust your browser's cookie settings to suit your preferences. More Information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close