Preoperative transfusion in sickle cell disease: a survey of practice in England

The role of preoperative transfusion in sickle cell disease, a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide guidance on preoperative blood transfusion strategies for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). We included all randomized controlled and observational studies exploring the clinical outcomes of preoperative blood transfusion among patients with SCD compared to the conservative transfusion strategy until 14/09/2022. Sixteen studies involving 3486 participants were analysed. The findings revealed a significantly higher bleeding rate in patients who received preoperative transfusion than those who followed a conservative strategy (RR = 4.32, 95% CI 1.75-10.68, P = 0.002, I2 = 0%). However, the two strategies had no significant differences in other clinical outcomes, such as acute chest syndrome, painful crisis, fever, neurological complications, thrombosis, ICU admission, and mortality. It is important to note that all the included studies had a moderate risk of bias. Preoperative transfusion in SCD was associated with a higher bleeding risk but a similar risk in other outcomes compared to conservative strategies. Notably, the increased bleeding risk observed seldom had clinical significance. We recommend individualizing management strategies, considering the overall positive impact of transfusions in reducing complications. Further high-quality studies are needed to refine recommendations.

Reassessing the Need for Preoperative Transfusions in Sickle Cell Disease Patients With an Elevated Baseline Hemoglobin-A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend a preoperative hemoglobin of 10.0 g/dL in patients with sickle cell disease [SCD], however, this threshold continues to be an area of controversy. Previous studies demonstrating the benefits of preoperative transfusions have largely not captured patients with elevated baseline hemoglobin, in part due to low hydroxyurea uptake and exclusion of nonhemoglobin SS SCD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with SCD <18 years of age undergoing low and medium-risk procedures at 2 academic medical centers in Canada between 2007 and 2017. The primary objective was to study the association of preoperative transfusion on postoperative complications in patients with SCD with baseline hemoglobin between 9.0 and 10.0 g/dL. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted effect of preoperative transfusion on the risk of developing postoperative complications.

RESULTS

In all, 159 procedures in patients with hemoglobin <9.0 g/dL [Hb <9.0 ] and 173 procedures in patients with hemoglobin between 9.0 and 10.0 g/dL [Hb 9.0-10.0 ] were analyzed. In the absence of preoperative transfusion, Hb 9.0-10.0 patients had lower overall complications [23% vs. 34%] compared with Hb <9.0 patients [OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.12-0.72, P =0.008]. In total, 75% of Hb <9.0 and 21% of Hb 9.0-10.0 patients received a preoperative simple transfusion. Transfusion was associated with increased risk of postoperative complications in Hb 9.0-10.0 [OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.26-7.23, P =0.013], but not Hb <9.0 patients [OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.28-1.45, P =0.30].

CONCLUSIONS

Simple transfusion may not be warranted in Hb 9.0-10.0 patients undergoing low-risk procedures. Prospective studies validating these findings are needed.

Clinical outcome of pre-operative blood transfusion for sickle cell disease patients in post-operative complications

BACKGROUND

Preoperative blood transfusion for patients with sickle cell disease is a debatable topic and it can be lifesaving. Sickle cell disease patients are at high risk for vaso-occlusive crisis due to the large concentration of sickle hemoglobin (HgbS) in their blood. Despite the current extensive research into this disease, there is still no consensus over whether blood transfusion is a preferable preoperative modality among patients undergoing elective surgical procedures.

METHOD

A retrospective observational study, which enrolled 204 patients with Sickle cell disease who underwent surgery at King Fahad Hospital of the University (KFHU) over the last five years. The primary objective was to determine whether there is evidence that preoperative blood transfusion for SCD patients undergoing surgical procedures will reduce postoperative complications related to SCD.

RESULTS

A total of 204 patients were included, of which 30% had preoperative blood transfusion. Majority of patient 44% had undergone cholecystectomy. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, patients who did not undergo blood transfusion had significantly higher risk to develop post-operative SCD complications (OR=3.07, P value= 0.002). In addition, they had significantly prolonged hospitalization (OR= 2.22, P value= 0.08). In contrast, patients who received blood transfusion had lower risk for developing post-operative SCD related complications (OR=1.87, P value= 0.29), and decrease in the duration of hospitalization by (OR=0.49, P value= 0.045).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that patients who had not undergo preoperative blood transfusion had higher risk to develop postoperative complications and prolonged hospital stay compared to those who underwent blood transfusion.

Incidence of Post-Operative Complications and Factors Influencing Their Occurrence in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease in a Low-Income Country: A Case Study of Cameroon

This study aimed to analyse post-operative complications and possible factors influencing their occurrence in the management of patients with sickle cell disease in a low-income country. We prospectively collected data regarding the management of patients with sickle cell disease requiring anesthesia for surgery in 11 Cameroonian hospitals from 1 May 2019 to 30 April 2021. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression was used to determine the dependence between the variables. A total of 124 patients with sickle cell disease were enrolled; 64 were male and 60 female, giving a sex ratio of 0.93. The rate of post-operative complications was 23.4% (29/124) and the death rate was 3.2% (4/124). The female subjects had more complications than the male subjects p < 0.05. The number of vaso-occlusive crises experienced per year showed a significant impact on the occurrence of post-operative complications p < 0.05. Laparoscopic surgery had fewer post-operative complications 5/46 (10.9%) than laparotomy 14/43 (32.5%). The surgical technique for the abdominal procedures had a significant impact on the occurrence of post-operative complications p < 0.05. The type of surgery (p = 0.198) and the anaesthesia technique (p = 0.225) did not show a significant impact on the occurrence of post-operative complications. Particular attention should be paid to female patients with sickle cell disease as they are more likely to experience post-operative complications, as well as to the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises, which are also predictive of post-operative complications. Opting for laparoscopic surgery whenever possible would help to reduce post-operative complications.

Risk factors for complications after abdominal surgery in children with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

Abdominal surgery in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) carries an increased risk of postoperative complications. Preoperative transfusions are frequently given to decrease the risk of vasoocclusive events. However, risk factors for postoperative complications are not well-defined in the pediatric population.

METHODS

Pediatric patients with SCD undergoing common abdominal operations were identified from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (NSQIP-P) database from 2012 to 2018. Outcomes of interest were the incidence rates of 1) any complication or readmission, and 2) serious SCD-related complications (stroke, new onset seizure, ventilator support >24 h postoperatively, or readmission with SCD crisis within 30 days of surgery). Patients were categorized by transfusion approach (transfusion within 48 h before surgery vs. no transfusion) and preoperative hematocrit (<21.0, 21.0-23.9, 24.0-26.9, 27.0-29.9, ≥30.0). Stratified bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify independent risk factors for complications.

RESULTS

A total of 813 patients met inclusion criteria. There were 470 cholecystectomy, 251 splenectomy, 39 appendectomy, and 53 combination procedures; 13% of cases were urgent or emergent. Preoperative hematocrit levels were <21.0 in 3%, 21.0-23.9 in 10%, 24.0-26.9 in 17%, 27.0-29.9in 30%, and ≥30.0 in 41% of patients; 52% received perioperative transfusion. The 30-day incidences of any complication/readmission and SCD-related complications were 12% and 4%, respectively. On bivariate analyses, urgent/emergent case status was the only significant predictor of complications, carrying risk of 20% and 8% for overall and SCD-related complications, respectively; this finding persisted on multivariable logistic regression (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.0.2-3.29, p = 0.04). Neither preoperative transfusion nor preoperative hematocrit level was associated with complication risk, although there was a trend toward higher SCD-related complications in patients with preoperative hematocrit <21.0 (p = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

In this large cohort of pediatric SCD patients undergoing abdominal surgery, there was no clear association between postoperative complications and the transfusion approach or the preoperative hematocrit level within the range above 21.0. Urgent/emergent surgical procedures carried a nearly two-fold higher complication risk compared to elective procedures. Future studies should prospectively evaluate preoperative transfusion approaches and compare immediate and delayed operative management to nonoperative management in this population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III Retrospective review.

Splenectomy in Jamaican children with sickle cell disease: Outcome of selective blood transfusion

We reviewed the post-operative morbidity and mortality of open splenectomy undertaken in conjunction with selective blood transfusion in Jamaican children with sickle cell disease. Data were collected on 150 splenectomies performed between November 1994 and October 2017. Selective blood transfusion involved raising haemoglobin levels to approximately 100 g/L in patients with admission haemoglobin ≥10 g/L below steady state. There was no mortality. Mean post-operative stay was 3.2 days with a median of three days. Total morbidity was 19/150 cases (12.7%), with acute chest syndrome accounting for 11/19 (57.9%). Among the non-transfused, acute chest syndrome occurred in 10/117 cases (8.5%), while among transfused, acute chest syndrome occurred in 1/33 cases (2.9%). We recommend this selective blood transfusion protocol for patients with sickle cell disease to surgeons who undertake splenectomies in settings where blood bank reserves are perennially low.

Preoperative blood transfusions for sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the commonest severe monogenic disorders in the world, due to the inheritance of two abnormal haemoglobin (beta globin) genes. SCD can cause severe pain, significant end-organ damage, pulmonary complications, and premature death. Surgical interventions are more common in people with SCD, and occur at much younger ages than in the general population. Blood transfusions are frequently used prior to surgery and several regimens are used but there is no consensus over the best method or the necessity of transfusion in specific surgical cases. This is an update of a Cochrane Review.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether there is evidence that preoperative blood transfusion in people with SCD undergoing elective or emergency surgery reduces mortality and perioperative or sickle cell-related serious adverse events. To compare the effectiveness of different transfusion regimens (aggressive or conservative) if preoperative transfusions are indicated in people with SCD.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched for relevant trials in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (from 1946), Embase (from 1974), the Transfusion Evidence Library (from 1980), and ongoing trial databases; all searches current to 28 January 2020 We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register: 19 September 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing preoperative blood transfusion regimens to different regimens or no transfusion in people with SCD undergoing elective or emergency surgery. There was no restriction by outcomes examined, language or publication status.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility and the risk of bias and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

Three trials with 990 participants were eligible for inclusion in the review. There were no ongoing trials identified. These trials were conducted between 1988 and 2011. The majority of people included had haemoglobin (Hb) SS SCD. The majority of surgical procedures were considered low or intermediate risk for developing sickle cell-related complications. Aggressive versus simple red blood cell transfusions One trial (551 participants) compared an aggressive transfusion regimen (decreasing sickle haemoglobin to less than 30%) to a simple transfusion regimen (increasing haemoglobin to 100 g/L). This trial re-randomised participants and therefore quantitative analysis was only possible on two subsets of data: participants undergoing cholecystectomy (230 participants); and participants undergoing tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy surgeries (107 participants). Data were not combined as we do not know if any participant received both surgeries. Overall, the quality of the evidence was very low across different outcomes according to GRADE methodology. This was due to the trial being at high risk of bias primarily due to lack of blinding, indirectness and the outcome estimates being imprecise. Cholecystectomy subgroup results are reported in the abstract. Results for both subgroups were similar. There was no difference in all-cause mortality between people receiving aggressive transfusions and those receiving conservative transfusions. No deaths occurred in either subgroup. There were no differences between the aggressive transfusion group and conservative transfusion group in the number of people developing: • an acute chest syndrome, risk ratio (RR) 0.84 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38 to 1.84) (one trial, 230 participants, very low-quality evidence); • vaso-occlusive crisis, risk ratio 0.30 (95% CI 0.09 to 1.04) (one trial, 230 participants, very low quality evidence); • serious infection, risk ratio 1.75 (95% CI 0.59 to 5.18) (one trial, 230 participants, very low-quality evidence); • any perioperative complications, RR 0.75 (95% CI 0.36 to 1.55) (one trial, 230 participants, very low-quality evidence); • a transfusion-related complication, RR 1.85 (95% CI 0.89 to 3.88) (one trial, 230 participants, very low-quality evidence). Preoperative transfusion versus no preoperative transfusion Two trials (434 participants) compared a preoperative transfusion plus standard care to a group receiving standard care. Overall, the quality of the evidence was low to very low across different outcomes according to GRADE methodology. This was due to the trials being at high risk of bias due to lack of blinding, and outcome estimates being imprecise. One trial was stopped early because more people in the no transfusion arm developed an acute chest syndrome. There was no difference in all-cause mortality between people receiving preoperative transfusions and those receiving no preoperative transfusions (two trials, 434 participants, no deaths occurred). There was significant heterogeneity between the two trials in the number of people developing an acute chest syndrome, a meta-analysis was therefore not performed. One trial showed a reduced number of people developing acute chest syndrome between people receiving preoperative transfusions and those receiving no preoperative transfusions, risk ratio 0.11 (95% confidence interval 0.01 to 0.80) (65 participants), whereas the other trial did not, RR 4.81 (95% CI 0.23 to 99.61) (369 participants). There were no differences between the preoperative transfusion groups and the groups without preoperative transfusion in the number of people developing: • a vaso-occlusive crisis, Peto odds ratio (OR) 1.91 (95% confidence interval 0.61 to 6.04) (two trials, 434 participants, very low-quality evidence). • a serious infection, Peto OR 1.29 (95% CI 0.29 to 5.71) (two trials, 434 participants, very low-quality evidence); • any perioperative complications, RR 0.24 (95% CI 0.03 to 2.05) (one trial, 65 participants, low-quality evidence). There was an increase in the number of people developing circulatory overload in those receiving preoperative transfusions compared to those not receiving preoperative transfusions in one of the two trials, and no events were seen in the other trial (no meta-analysis performed).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence from randomised trials to determine whether conservative preoperative blood transfusion is as effective as aggressive preoperative blood transfusion in preventing sickle-related or surgery-related complications in people with HbSS disease. There is very low quality evidence that preoperative blood transfusion may prevent development of acute chest syndrome. Due to lack of evidence this review cannot comment on management for people with HbSC or HbSβ⁺ disease or for those with high baseline haemoglobin concentrations.

American Society of Hematology 2020 guidelines for sickle cell disease: transfusion support

BACKGROUND

Red cell transfusions remain a mainstay of therapy for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), but pose significant clinical challenges. Guidance for specific indications and administration of transfusion, as well as screening, prevention, and management of alloimmunization, delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTRs), and iron overload may improve outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to develop evidence-based guidelines to support patients, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals in their decisions about transfusion support for SCD and the management of transfusion-related complications.

METHODS

The American Society of Hematology formed a multidisciplinary panel that was balanced to minimize bias from conflicts of interest and that included a patient representative. The panel prioritized clinical questions and outcomes. The Mayo Clinic Evidence-Based Practice Research Program supported the guideline development process. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to form recommendations, which were subject to public comment.

RESULTS

The panel developed 10 recommendations focused on red cell antigen typing and matching, indications, and mode of administration (simple vs red cell exchange), as well as screening, prevention, and management of alloimmunization, DHTRs, and iron overload.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of panel recommendations were conditional due to the paucity of direct, high-certainty evidence for outcomes of interest. Research priorities were identified, including prospective studies to understand the role of serologic vs genotypic red cell matching, the mechanism of HTRs resulting from specific alloantigens to inform therapy, the role and timing of regular transfusions during pregnancy for women, and the optimal treatment of transfusional iron overload in SCD.

Perioperative care of children with sickle cell disease: A systematic review and clinical recommendations

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) require specific perioperative care, and clinical practice in this area remains poorly defined. We aimed to conduct a systematic, PRISMA-based review of the literature, available clinical guidelines and practice recommendations. We also aimed to extract any valuable information for the "best of available-evidence"-based prevention of perioperative adverse events in children with SCD, and highlight the most urgent priorities in clinical research. As data sources, US National Library of Medicine, Medline, National Guideline Clearinghouse, International Guideline Network, TRIP databases were searched for any content until January 2019. We also included institutional, consortia and expert group guidelines. Included were reports/guidelines in English, French, German, and Italian. Excluded were reports on obstetrical and fetal management. We identified 202 reports/guidelines fulfilling the criteria outlined above. A majority focused on visceral, cardiovascular and orthopedic surgery procedures, and only five were multicenter randomized controlled trials and two prospective randomized studies. After grading of the quality of the evidence, the extracted data was summarized into clinical recommendations for daily practice. Additionally, we designed a risk-grading algorithm to identify contexts likely to be associated with adverse outcomes. In conclusion, we provide a systematic PRISMA-based review of the existing literature and ancillary practice and delineate a set of clinical recommendations and priorities for research.

Recommendations on RBC Transfusion Support in Children With Hematologic and Oncologic Diagnoses From the Pediatric Critical Care Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative

OBJECTIVES

To present the recommendations and supporting evidence for RBC transfusions in critically ill children with hematologic and oncologic disease from the Pediatric Critical Care Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative.

DESIGN

Consensus conference series of international, multidisciplinary experts in RBC transfusion management of critically ill children.

METHODS

The panel of 38 experts developed evidence-based and, when evidence was lacking, expert-based clinical recommendations and research priorities for RBC transfusions in critically ill children. The hematologic/oncologic subgroup included seven experts. Electronic searches were conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from 1980 to May 2017. Agreement was obtained using the Research and Development/UCLA Appropriateness Method. Results were summarized using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method.

RESULTS

The hematologic/oncologic subgroup developed 14 recommendations (seven clinical, seven research); all achieved greater than 80% agreement. In patients with sickle cell disease, Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative recommends: 1) RBC transfusion to achieve a target hemoglobin concentration of 10 g/dL rather than hemoglobin of less than 30% prior to surgical procedures requiring general anesthesia and 2) exchange transfusion over simple (nonexchange) transfusion if the child's condition is deteriorating (based on clinical judgment), otherwise a simple, nonexchange RBC transfusion is recommended. There is insufficient evidence to make recommendations on transfusion thresholds for patients with sickle cell disease prior to minor procedures, with acute stroke or with pulmonary hypertension. For patients with oncologic disease or undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant, a hemoglobin concentration of 7-8 g/dL is recommended. Due to lack of evidence, research is needed to clarify the appropriate transfusion thresholds in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative developed specific pediatric recommendations regarding RBC transfusion management in critically ill children with sickle cell disease, oncologic disease, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant and recommendations to help guide future research priorities.

Core Decompression with Synthetic Grafting as a Joint Preservation Strategy in Humeral Avascular Necrosis Due to Sickle Cell Anemia: A Case Report

Introduction:

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral or humeral heads in patients with sickle cell anemia is a common and painful condition. There is currently no gold standard treatment protocol for this condition. Typically, the pain is managed with narcotics and activity restriction until there has been collapse of the subchondral bone with a degree of arthrosis sufficient to warrant total joint arthroplasty. This method entails prolonged pain for the patient and decreases the ability to function occupationally and recreationally.

Case Report:

A 51-year-old African-American woman with a history of sickle cell anemia presented for the evaluation of significant bilateral shoulder pain that was confirmed to be AVN via radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging of both her humeral heads without joint collapse. She tried and failed conservative management with physical therapy and optimization of sickle cell treatment with pain medications for years, so she desired surgical management. Arthroscopically assisted core decompression of her humeral heads with synthetic grafting was performed in an attempt at joint preservation.

Conclusion:

This report demonstrates a technique of staged decompression of necrotic bone in the bilateral humeral heads with synthetic bone grafting to determine if this could function as a joint preservation strategy. This procedure was considered successful to alleviate the patients’ pain in both of her arms. The application of this procedure is significant because it could be used in various future medical joint preservation cases for a wide range of patients.

Knowledge insufficient: the management of haemoglobin SC disease

Although haemoglobin SC (HbSC) accounts for 30% of sickle cell disease (SCD) in the United States and United Kingdom, evidence-based guidelines for genotype specific management are lacking. The unique pathology of HbSC disease is complex, characterized by erythrocyte dehydration, intracellular sickling and increased blood viscosity. The evaluation and treatment of patients with HbSC is largely inferred from studies of SCD consisting mostly of haemoglobin SS (HbSS) patients. These studies are underpowered to allow definitive conclusions about HbSC. We review the pathophysiology of HbSC disease, including known and potential differences between HbSS and HbSC, and highlight knowledge gaps in HbSC disease management. Clinical and translational research is needed to develop targeted treatments and to validate management recommendations for efficacy, safety and impact on quality of life for people with HbSC.

Preoperative blood transfusions for sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease is one of the commonest severe monogenic disorders in the world, due to the inheritance of two abnormal haemoglobin (beta globin) genes. Sickle cell disease can cause severe pain, significant end-organ damage, pulmonary complications, and premature death. Surgical interventions are more common in people with sickle cell disease, and occur at much younger ages than in the general population. Blood transfusions are frequently used prior to surgery and several regimens are used but there is no consensus over the best method or the necessity of transfusion in specific surgical cases. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2001.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether there is evidence that preoperative blood transfusion in people with sickle cell disease undergoing elective or emergency surgery reduces mortality and perioperative or sickle cell-related serious adverse events.To compare the effectiveness of different transfusion regimens (aggressive or conservative) if preoperative transfusions are indicated in people with sickle cell disease.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched for relevant trials in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (from 1946), Embase (from 1974), the Transfusion Evidence Library (from 1980), and ongoing trial databases; all searches current to 23 March 2016.We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register: 18 January 2016.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing preoperative blood transfusion regimens to different regimens or no transfusion in people with sickle cell disease undergoing elective or emergency surgery. There was no restriction by outcomes examined, language or publication status.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility and the risk of bias and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

Three trials with 990 participants were eligible for inclusion in the review. There were no ongoing trials identified. These trials were conducted between 1988 and 2011. The majority of people included had haemoglobin (Hb) SS SCD. The majority of surgical procedures were considered low or intermediate risk for developing sickle cell-related complications. Aggressive versus simple red blood cell transfusions One trial (551 participants) compared an aggressive transfusion regimen (decreasing sickle haemoglobin to less than 30%) to a simple transfusion regimen (increasing haemoglobin to 100 g/l). This trial re-randomised participants and therefore quantitative analysis was only possible on two subsets of data: participants undergoing cholecystectomy (230 participants); and participants undergoing tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy surgeries (107 participants). Data were not combined as we do not know if any participant received both surgeries. Overall, the quality of the evidence was very low across different outcomes according to GRADE methodology. This was due to the trial being at high risk of bias primarily due to lack of blinding, indirectness and the outcome estimates being imprecise. Cholecystectomy subgroup results are reported in the abstract. Results for both subgroups were similar.There was no difference in all-cause mortality between people receiving aggressive transfusions and those receiving conservative transfusions. No deaths occurred in either subgroup.There were no differences between the aggressive transfusion group and conservative transfusion group in the number of people developing:• an acute chest syndrome, risk ratio 0.84 (95% confidence interval 0.38 to 1.84) (one trial, 230 participants, very low quality evidence);• vaso-occlusive crisis, risk ratio 0.30 (95% confidence interval 0.09 to 1.04) (one trial, 230 participants, very low quality evidence);• serious infection, risk ratio 1.75 (95% confidence interval 0.59 to 5.18) (one trial, 230 participants, very low quality evidence);• any perioperative complications, risk ratio 0.75 (95% confidence interval 0.36 to 1.55) (one trial, 230 participants, very low quality evidence);• a transfusion-related complication, risk ratio 1.85 (95% confidence interval 0.89 to 3.88) (one trial, 230 participants, very low quality evidence). Preoperative transfusion versus no preoperative transfusion Two trials (434 participants) compared a preoperative transfusion plus standard care to a group receiving standard care. Overall, the quality of the evidence was low to very low across different outcomes according to GRADE methodology. This was due to the trials being at high risk of bias due to lack of blinding, and outcome estimates being imprecise. One trial was stopped early because more people in the no transfusion arm developed an acute chest syndrome.There was no difference in all-cause mortality between people receiving preoperative transfusions and those receiving no preoperative transfusions (two trials, 434 participants, no deaths occurred).There was significant heterogeneity between the two trials in the number of people developing an acute chest syndrome, a meta-analysis was therefore not performed. One trial showed a reduced number of people developing acute chest syndrome between people receiving preoperative transfusions and those receiving no preoperative transfusions, risk ratio 0.11 (95% confidence interval 0.01 to 0.80) (65 participants), whereas the other trial did not, risk ratio 4.81 (95% confidence interval 0.23 to 99.61) (369 participants).There were no differences between the preoperative transfusion groups and the groups without preoperative transfusion in the number of people developing:• a vaso-occlusive crisis, Peto odds ratio 1.91 (95% confidence interval 0.61 to 6.04) (two trials, 434 participants, very low quality evidence).• a serious infection, Peto odds ratio 1.29 (95% confidence interval 0.29 to 5.71) (two trials, 434 participants, very low quality evidence);• any perioperative complications, risk ratio 0.24 (95% confidence interval 0.03 to 2.05) (one trial, 65 participants, low quality evidence).There was an increase in the number of people developing circulatory overload in those receiving preoperative transfusions compared to those not receiving preoperative transfusions in one of the two trials, and no events were seen in the other trial (no meta-analysis performed).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence from randomised trials to determine whether conservative preoperative blood transfusion is as effective as aggressive preoperative blood transfusion in preventing sickle-related or surgery-related complications in people with HbSS disease. There is very low quality evidence that preoperative blood transfusion may prevent development of acute chest syndrome.Due to lack of evidence this review cannot comment on management for people with HbSC or HbSβ(+) disease or for those with high baseline haemoglobin concentrations.

Pathophysiology and perioperative management of sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease has become the most common genetic condition in some European countries (Roberts & De Montalembert 2007).The disease is characterised by the painful sickle cell crisis often experienced by sufferers. This article sets out to examine the pathophysiology of this disease, alongside the factors that perioperative practitioners need to be aware of in order to reduce the risk of triggering a sickle cell crisis.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of preoperative transfusion in patients with sickle cell disease using evidence from the TAPS trial

The study's objective was to assess the cost-effectiveness of preoperative transfusion compared with no preoperative transfusion in patients with sickle cell disease undergoing low- or medium-risk surgery. Seventy patients with sickle cell disease (HbSS/Sß(0) thal genotypes) undergoing elective surgery participated in a multicentre randomised trial, Transfusion Alternatives Preoperatively in Sickle Cell Disease (TAPS). Here, a cost-effectiveness analysis based on evidence from that trial is presented. A decision-analytic model is used to incorporate long-term consequences of transfusions and acute chest syndrome. Costs and health benefits, expressed as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), are reported from the 'within-trial' analysis and for the decision-analytic model. The probability of cost-effectiveness for each form of management is calculated taking into account the small sample size and other sources of uncertainty. In the range of scenarios considered in the analysis, preoperative transfusion was more effective, with the mean improvement in QALYs ranging from 0.018 to 0.206 per patient, and also less costly in all but one scenario, with the mean cost difference ranging from -£813 to £26. All scenarios suggested preoperative transfusion had a probability of cost-effectiveness >0.79 at a cost-effectiveness threshold of £20 000 per QALY.

Surgical procedures and outcomes among children with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

Although children with sickle cell disease often undergo surgery, there are limited current epidemiological data for this pediatric population. We performed a database analysis to estimate population characteristics, surgical procedures, and perioperative outcomes in this population.

METHODS

We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database from 2000 to 2010 for discharges pertaining to patients <18 years of age having a diagnosis of sickle cell disease who underwent 1 or more surgical procedures during that admission. We abstracted surgical procedures using the Clinical Classifications Software procedure codes and the ICD-9-CM procedure codes. We described characteristics of patients undergoing the 6 most common procedures.

RESULTS

During 2000 to 2010, 3.6 % (SE 0.12) of individual hospital discharges were of children with sickle cell disease who had undergone surgical procedures. The most frequent surgical procedures were cholecystectomy (1.47% [0.08]), tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy (0.81% [0.06]), splenectomy (0.62% [0.06]), repair of umbilical hernia (0.19% [0.02]), and appendectomy (0.17% [0.02]). Acute chest syndrome was recorded among 3.08% (0.60) of patients undergoing elective surgery. The incidence of stroke was 0.20% (0.11); death was reported in <11 patients (<0.20%).

CONCLUSION

Surgical procedures such as cholecystectomy, tonsillectomy, splenectomy, hernia repair, and appendectomy account for a small but significant proportion of hospital admissions in children with sickle cell disease. Acute chest syndrome is among the most common complications of elective surgery, while stroke and death are rare.

Perioperative transfusion management in patients with sickle cell anaemia undergoing a total hip arthroplasty. Is there a role of red-cell exchange transfusion? A retrospective study in the CHU of Fort-de-France Martinique

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a retrospective study to examine the optimal regimen of transfusion and whether preoperative transfusion is needed in patients with Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) undergoing a Total hip arthroplasty (THA). Then, we assessed the incidence of perioperative complications rates among patients assigned to different transfusion regimens to propose finally the safety transfusion protocol.

BACKGROUND

Preoperative transfusions are usually given to reduce or prevent perioperative complications to SCA patients undergoing THA. There is no consensus however on the best regimen of transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

During the period of 2000 to 2010, 14 patients with SCA (sex-ratio 0.4) with a mean age of 36 years underwent 16 THA (primary or revision). Three groups were differentiated according preoperatively protocol transfusion. Group 1: exchange transfusion (EXT), group 2: simple transfusion (ST), group 3: no transfusion (NT).

RESULTS

Overall, preoperative transfusion was performed in 43.7% of cases and complications rate was 50%. In the group 1 (EXT) including five patients (31%), severe complications occurred in four patients (80%). in the group 2, including two patients (12.5%), no complications were observed. In the group 3, including nine patients (56%), complications occurred in four procedures (44.5%), the half of them were haemolytic complications.

CONCLUSION

Our results support the decision to transfuse, ST, preoperatively only if the patient is significantly below their steady-state haemoglobin (Hb) level. Transfusion can be used intraoperatively according Hb level and/or the blood loss volume. Exchange transfusion appeared mostly to be related to postoperative morbidity rates.

The Transfusion Alternatives Preoperatively in Sickle Cell Disease (TAPS) study: a randomised, controlled, multicentre clinical trial

BACKGROUND

No consensus exists on whether preoperative blood transfusions are beneficial in patients with sickle-cell disease. We assessed whether perioperative complication rates would be altered by preoperative transfusion.

METHODS

We did a multicentre, randomised trial. Eligible patients were aged at least 1 year, had haemoglobin SS or Sβ(0)thalassaemia sickle-cell-disease subtypes, and were scheduled for low-risk or medium-risk operations. Patients were randomly assigned no transfusion or transfusion no more than 10 days before surgery. The primary outcome was the proportion of clinically important complications between randomisation and 30 days after surgery. Analysis was by intention to treat.

FINDINGS

67 (96%) of 70 enrolled patients-33 no preoperative transfusion and 34 preoperative transfusion-were assessed. 65 (97%) of 67 patients had the haemoglobin SS subtype and 54 (81%) were scheduled to undergo medium-risk surgery. 13 (39%) of 33 patients in the no-preoperative-transfusion group had clinically important complications, compared with five (15%) in the preoperative-transfusion group (p=0.023). Of these, 10 (30%) and one (3%), respectively, had serious adverse events. The unadjusted odds ratio of clinically important complications was 3.8 (95% CI 1.2-12.2, p=0.027). 10 (91%) of 11 serious adverse events were acute chest syndrome (nine in the no-preoperative-transfusion group and one in the preoperative-transfusion group). Duration of hospital stay and readmission rates did not differ between study groups.

INTERPRETATION

Preoperative transfusion was associated with decreased perioperative complications in patients with sickle-cell disease in this trial. This approach could, therefore, be beneficial for patients with the haemoglobin SS subtype who are scheduled to undergo low-risk and medium-risk surgeries.

FUNDING

NHS Blood and Transplant.

Transfusion practices in the management of sickle cell disease: a survey of Florida hematologists/oncologists

The purpose of this study was to characterize transfusion practices in the management of sickle cell disease and to identify factors attributing to differences in prescribing practices among Florida hematologists/oncologists. A cross-sectional study was performed in 2005-2006 utilizing a mail survey. The survey instrument addressed practice characteristics, sickle cell patient populations, transfusion settings, indications and techniques, red blood cell phenotype specifications/modifications, use of practice guidelines, and educational resource utilization. One hundred fifty two physicians (75% adult-oriented, 25% pediatric) completed the survey. Non-academic practice settings (78 %) were the primary location. Pediatric practices had a larger percentage of patients with overt strokes, and receiving hydroxyurea therapy than adult-oriented practices. The majority of survey respondents did not request limited phenotypically matched red blood cells on a routine basis. The majority of pediatric practices (60%) had individually defined transfusion practice guidelines in contrast to 8% of adult-oriented practices. There were statistically significant differences for pediatric and adult-oriented practices in managing certain acute and chronic transfusion indications. Analysis of clinical vignette data revealed variation among hematologists/oncologists in the transfusion management of common clinical scenarios. The study underscores the need for the development and dissemination of comprehensive sickle cell transfusion guidelines and protocols.

Blood transfusion in patients with sickle cell disease requiring laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with sickle cell disease was found to be safe without preoperative blood transfusion.

Background:

Surgery in patients with sickle cell disease is associated with high morbidity. To reduce this high morbidity, different preoperative transfusion regimens were introduced. However, blood transfusion is associated with problems. This prospective study aims to establish the safety of conducting laparoscopic cholecystectomy without transfusion in sickle cell disease patients.

Methods:

Forty patients (16 males and 24 females; mean age 26.6 years) undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis were divided into 2 matched groups: Group I “no transfusion” (n=24 patients; 60%) and Group II “transfusion” (n=16; 40%). In Group II, 9 patients (22.5%) received a simple transfusion and 7 (17.5%) a partial exchange transfusion.

Results:

Group II patients had significantly higher levels of Hb-S prior to transfusion. They developed a significantly higher complication rate (25% vs. 0%) and subsequently longer hospital stay (3.9±2 vs. 2.1±1.4). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the complications between the simple transfusion and partial exchange transfusion subgroups.

Conclusion:

Surgery in SCD patients is safe without a preoperative blood transfusion. Moreover, preoperative blood transfusion is associated with significantly higher postoperative complications and longer hospital stay. Hence, a “no transfusion” policy is recommended.

A survey of perioperative management of sickle cell disease in North America

BACKGROUND

Children with sickle cell disease frequently undergo surgical procedures that are associated with acute exacerbations of the disease. Current perioperative management practices are unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed at describing the current management.

METHODS

We conducted an electronic survey of North American members of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia, in which we asked about their perioperative management of sickle cell disease.

RESULTS

The response rate to valid addresses was 25% (n=510/2006). In four scenarios, (a patient with mild disease undergoing a minor procedure; a patient with mild disease undergoing a more invasive procedure; a patient with severe disease undergoing a minor procedure; and a patient with severe disease undergoing a more invasive procedure) 80%, 38%, 27%, and 16% of respondents, respectively, would rely on oral fluids to hydrate patients during the preoperative fast, while 13%, 34%, 44%, and 59%, respectively, would use intravenous fluid. For the same four scenarios, 64%, 28%, 33%, and 10%, respectively, would not transfuse patients in an attempt to prevent sickle cell exacerbations, while 17%, 49%, 36%, and 51%, respectively, would transfuse to a hemoglobin concentration of 10 g·dl(-1). The tendencies to administer preoperative intravenous fluid and to transfuse blood increased with disease severity and procedure invasiveness (P<0.001). Although 89% felt comfortable managing patients with sickle cell disease, 73% thought an advisory statement on optimal perioperative management was needed.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a wide variation in the management of children with sickle cell disease. Clinicians differentiate management based on disease severity and procedure type.

Surgical and obstetric outcomes in adults with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease patients are more likely than the general population to undergo surgery and usually do so at a younger age. Female sickle cell disease patients also have special gynecological and obstetric issues related to their disease.

METHODS

We collected data through standardized clinical report forms, patient interviews, and medical records from 509 adult sickle cell disease patients. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between multiple variables and each of the surgery types. We also determined the prevalence and outcomes of pregnancy in 284 women with sickle cell disease in this population.

RESULTS

Almost 50% of patients aged 18-27 years had had a cholecystectomy. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin, total bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly higher in the postcholecystectomy group; 9.5% of 504 individuals had undergone splenectomy. Hematocrit, body mass index, and red blood cell count were significantly higher in the postsplenectomy group. Hip replacement had been performed in 9.2% of individuals, with the prevalence increasing as early as the fourth decade and continuing to increase through the sixth decade of life. A history of pregnancy was present in 190 women (67%). Of 410 pregnancies, only 53.9% resulted in live births, 16.6% were voluntarily terminated, and 29.5% were complicated by miscarriage, still birth, or ectopic implantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Sickle cell disease continues to have a strong effect on the mean age for common surgeries and impacts pregnancy outcomes. We conclude that this population has a unique surgical and obstetric history that should be further studied to provide insight into potentially more effective preventive approaches to end-organ damage.

Erythrocytapheresis: Do Not Forget a Useful Therapy!

SUMMARY: In patients with pathologically altered erythrocytes, red blood cell exchange is a very efficient therapeutic measure without important side effects. With increasing migration more patients with e.g. severe malaria or sickle cell anemia have to be treated. In minor or bidirectional ABO-mismatched stem cell transplantations after reduced intensity conditioning, hemolysis can be prevented by prophylactic erythrocytapheresis. Other rare indications for red blood cell exchange are advanced erythropoietic protoporphyria and babesiosis. Sickle cell anemia can be treated with hydroxyurea. Transfusions are administered when necessary, but this results in iron overload in the long term. An expensive but safe and very efficient treatment alternative is red blood cell exchange. In cases with stroke, acute chest syndrome and other severe complications, erythrocytapheresis reproducibly breaks the vicious circle of sickling and increasing oxygen deficiency. At the same time one can aim at an exact end hematocrit. In severe malaria, erythrocytapheresis both reduces parasite load to the designated extent and reconstitutes reduced oxygen transport capacity without serious adverse effects. Here we describe our experience of erythrocytapheresis in long-term prophylaxis of complications in sickle cell anemia and sickle cell thalassemia patients. The documentation of improved iron balance was carried out by liver susceptometry.

Blood bank management of sickle cell patients at comprehensive sickle cell centers

BACKGROUND

Transfusion therapy has been integral to decreasing morbidity and mortality in sickle cell disease (SCD). Several studies however, have demonstrated variation in the blood bank (BB) practices for these patients. The purpose of this study was to examine BB practices for SCD patients at NIH Comprehensive Sickle Cell Centers (CSCCs) and to determine whether consensus in BB management exists.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of BB medical directors and laboratory supervisors at CSCCs was conducted between October 2004 and March 2005. The survey assessed respondent, hospital, and BB characteristics; pretransfusion procedures; blood product selection; and agreement with statements about consensus in management. Physician respondents were also asked to select their preferred management strategy in four hypothetical transfusion-related cases.

RESULTS

Responses were received from 36 of 49 (73.5%) institutions. Pretransfusion procedures and blood product selection were nearly uniform among CSCCs. Of the respondents, 69 percent disagreed with the statement that clear consensus exists on the use of phenotypically matched red blood cells for SCD patients; 55 percent disagreed that clear consensus exists on the use of chronic transfusion programs for SCD patients. Although there was consensus on the use of transfusion therapy for life- or organ-threatening situations, optimal management of preoperative transfusion therapy and severe delayed transfusion reactions appears controversial.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first overview of BB management of patients with SCD at CSCCs and identifies areas where there is perceived and actual lack of consensus. These results suggest that opportunities remain to standardize transfusion practices for SCD patients across all hospital settings.

Shoulder arthroplasty in sickle cell patients with humeral head avascular necrosis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of avascular necrosis in patients with sickle cell disease. Medical records, radiographs, operative reports, and outcome scores of 8 adult patients with sickle cell disease were evaluated. The mean follow-up was 51 months (range, 2-10 years). Seven patients had a hemiarthroplasty, and one had a total shoulder arthroplasty. One patient had an intraoperative rotator cuff tear. Two had sickle cell crises in the immediate postoperative period. In one patient, stiffness developed that required arthroscopic capsular release 22 months after her arthroplasty. Another patient with a hemiarthroplasty underwent revision to a total shoulder arthroplasty 5 years after the index procedure. The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved by 31.9 points. However, only 2 patients reported improvement in pain as assessed with a visual analog scale. Although shoulder arthroplasty provides improvements in range of motion and function in the majority of patients, pain relief is less predictable.

A nontransfusional perioperative management regimen for patients with sickle cell disease undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk for cholelithiasis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most frequent general surgical operation performed for this group of patients. Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is the most common cause of postoperative death among SCD patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a novel perioperative management regimen involving prophylactic continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) ventilation and avoidance of preoperative blood transfusion on postoperative SCD-related complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective study included all SCD patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy since 1997 at our institution. Medical notes were analyzed to assess the rates of postoperative complications in relation to the severity of SCD.

RESULTS

A total of 13 patients were identified. There were no recorded episodes of acute painful crises and only one patient experienced an episode of ACS requiring protracted CPAP.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be safely performed for SCD patients without prior blood transfusion. A defined perioperative regimen including the use of routine postoperative prophylactic CPAP for these patients helps to reduce SCD-related postoperative complications such as ACS and painful vaso-occlusive crises.

Surgery in sickle cell disease

Persons with sickle cell disease (SCD) are more likely to undergo surgery than are the general population during their lifetime. For example, cholecystectomy as a consequence of gallstones is more frequent in persons with SCD, as is hip arthroplasty in younger people as a result of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Because surgery exposes patients to many of the factors that are known to precipitate red blood cell sickling, persons with SCD undergoing surgery require meticulous clinical care to prevent perioperative sickle cell-related complications. Even with meticulous care, approximately 25% to 30% of patients will have a postoperative complication. This article provides readers with information about the role of surgery in SCD and the measures that should be taken to ensure patients are well cared for in the perioperative period.