Frequently asked question: When will treatment include blood transfusions or exchange transfusions?

Treatment with blood transfusion is only indicated when you have severe symptoms, such as when you need intensive care on an ICU, in cases of severe anemia with physical problems, acute chest syndrome, a liver crisis, a prolonged painful sickle cell crisis, priapism, or a cerebral infarction (or one in history).

Also interesting

What organ-related problems can sickle cell disease cause?

Brain: after some time, sickle cell disease can lead to a narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain. If this leads to…

What are common symptoms of sickle cell disease?

Anemia: symptoms depend on the extent of the anemia. Common symptoms include tiredness, feeling weak, shortness of brea…

What effect does a blood transfusion have on sickle cell disease?

A blood transfusion or an exchange transfusion will (temporarily) reduce the HbSS red blood cell count or other sickle c…

Why will a sickle cell patient be prescribed hydroxycarbamide (Hydrea© or Siklos©)?

How does sickle cell disease affect pregnancy?

How are severe cases of sickle cell disease treated?

How are pain and other symptoms treated?

Can you tell beforehand how sickle cell disease will develop in a specific case?

Why is it that sickle cell disease comes with (severe) anemia?

Does every sickle cell patient get the same symptoms and with the same level of severity?

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Other subjects

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General

Medication and sickle cell disease

Occurrence of sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease and pregnancy

Sickle cell disease symptoms and problems

The hereditary nature of sickle cell disease

The problem with hemoglobin S

The role and structure of hemoglobin

The sickle cell disease diagnosis

Traveling with sickle cell disease

Treatment of severe sickle cell disease

Treatment of sickle cell disease; prevention, treatment, and support