Frequently asked question: 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 cell red blood cell counts. And it will (temporarily) boost the blood’s ability to transport oxygen through the healthy red blood cells introduced into your bloodstream by the blood transfusion. Blood transfusions are indicated only in cases of severe symptoms.

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 the effects of an exchange transfusion?

An exchange transfusion (erythrocytapheresis) is a special kind of blood transfusion. The advantage of an exchange trans…

How does sickle cell disease affect pregnancy?

It is impossible to say beforehand how a sickle cell patient’s pregnancy will go. While pregnant, a woman’s body underg…

What are common symptoms of sickle cell disease?

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

Can sickle cell disease be identified through a blood test?

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

When will treatment include blood transfusions or exchange transfusions?

What are the downsides of repeated blood transfusions for sickle cell disease?

How are pain and other symptoms treated?

Relevant medical information

No answer for your question?

Ask your question about Sickle cell disease to an expert

Treatment of severe sickle cell disease

Can a stem cell and bone marrow transplantation cure sickle cell disease?

How are severe cases of sickle cell disease treated?

What are the downsides of repeated blood transfusions for sickle cell disease?

What are the effects of an exchange transfusion?

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

What triggers an immune reaction?

When will treatment include blood transfusions or exchange transfusions?

Other subjects

Future

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