Treatment Overview
During a blood transfusion, a person (the recipient) receives healthy blood from another person (the donor). The donated blood is carefully screened for diseases before it is used. Before receiving a blood transfusion, the recipient's blood is analyzed closely (using blood type, Opens dialog) to make sure the donor blood is a close match to the recipient's.
Blood is transfused into an arm vein slowly over 1 to 4 hours (except in an emergency when blood is transfused more quickly).
Blood transfusions can:
Blood transfusions aren't usually used to treat uncomplicated painful events or mild to moderate anemia, Opens dialog.
After a blood transfusion, healthcare providers watch you closely for any negative reactions.
A blood transfusion lowers the amount of hemoglobin, Opens dialog S red blood cells in the body. When there are fewer sickled hemoglobin S cells in the bloodstream, they are less likely to build up and block blood vessels.
Blood transfusion also increases the number of normal red blood cells in the body, increasing the supply of oxygen to the body.
Blood transfusions can treat some of the sudden and serious problems from sickle cell disease, such as strokes, leg ulcers, and acute chest syndrome. Regular blood transfusions can also prevent strokes, frequent sickle cell crises, and acute chest syndrome.
Anemia
Some sudden complications of sickle cell disease cause the body's red blood cell count to drop to life-threatening levels (severe anemia). When severe, these conditions (including splenic sequestration, acute chest syndrome, and aplastic crisis) can be fatal if not treated with blood transfusions.
Chronic severe anemia from kidney failure may need treatment with periodic blood transfusions.
Surgery
After having general anesthesia, Opens dialog and surgery, people who have sickle cell disease are at risk for sickling-related problems and acute chest syndrome. Blood transfusions before surgery can prevent or treat these complications.
Red blood cell sickling-related complications (vaso-occlusion)
Blood transfusions can treat acute chest syndrome and leg ulcers.
Frequent blood transfusions may help prevent strokes in children who already had a stroke or are at high risk for a first stroke.footnote 1
Information about Blood Transfusions for Sickle Cell Disease
Blood transfusion is an effective and proven treatment for some severe complications of sickle cell disease. footnote 1
Blood transfusions reduce the risk of some complications of sickle cell disease and reduce symptoms of severe anemia.
Blood transfusion may help prevent a first stroke in children who have sickle cell disease. Transfusions can help prevent a second stroke in most children.
Over time, a person who gets many blood transfusions can collect too much iron in the body (iron overload). Very high levels of iron can lead to hemochromatosis, Opens dialog, which can be fatal if untreated.
Iron chelation treatment, Opens dialog can help rid the body of excess iron.
A person who gets repeat blood transfusions may form antibodies, Opens dialog to the donor blood. This is called alloimmunization, Opens dialog. It makes repeated transfusions more difficult.
A transfusion reaction may happen right away or days later. An acute transfusion reaction ranges from mild (fever, chills, and rash) to severe (shock, Opens dialog, severe anemia, painful event, and death). Please see Blood transfusions: Frequently asked questions for more information.
Donated blood is carefully screened for diseases before it is used. It's very rare for a disease to be transmitted through donated blood.
Be sure to contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Citations
- Meschia JF, et al. (2014). Guidelines for the primary prevention of stroke: A statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke, published online October 28, 2014. DOI: 10.1161/STR.0000000000000046. Accessed October 29, 2014.
Adaptation Date: 02/24/2022
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services