EXBANGUEOTRANSFUSION AS A TREATMENT OF ACUTE CHEST SYNDROME IN PATIENTS OF SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

Abstract

Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary disease characterized by the production of hemoglobin S (HbS), resulting in the deformation of red blood cells into a sickle shape, leading to severe complications such as acute chest syndrome (ACS). ACS is a major cause of mortality in sickle cell patients, marked by new pulmonary infiltrates visible on chest X-rays, accompanied by respiratory symptoms and fever. Exchange transfusion, or red blood cell exchange, has proven effective in treating ACS by rapidly reducing HbS levels and improving tissue oxygenation. This study aims to review the efficacy and safety of exchange transfusion as a treatment for ACS in sickle cell patients. The methodology followed PRISMA guidelines and used the PICO strategy to formulate the research question. The search was conducted in the BVS database using specific descriptors, including articles in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. After screening, six articles were included in the review. Results indicate that exchange transfusion is effective in reducing HbS levels and improving clinical parameters, and is safe with few severe complications reported.