Frequently asked question: What are the downsides of repeated blood transfusions for sickle cell disease?

Blood transfusions may spark immune reactions and lead to hyperviscosity (increased number of blood cells), and they can lead to iron overload in the long run, which will require treatment with medication. Iron overload, or hemochromatosis, can produce severe symptoms in the long run.

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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 are the effects of an exchange transfusion?

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

What can you do against iron overload in case of sickle cell disease?

What triggers an immune reaction?

How are pain and other symptoms treated?

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

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

What is the benefit of including sickle cell disease in the heel prick test?

How does sickle cell disease affect pregnancy?

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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?

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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