Red blood cell exchange techniques and methods

Abstract

Red blood cell exchange (RBCX) has become a standard therapy to remove abnormal red blood cells (RBC) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). In the last few decades, RBCX techniques have gradually improved, allowing sickle RBCs to be removed with greater precision and enabling specific hematological targets to be set. Improved knowledge of the techniques as well as the clinical and biological targets has led to optimization of the procedures. The aim of this review is to summarize the current technique, methods, targets and schedules of RBCX and to consider the outstanding issues that require additional investigation.

Keywords: Red blood cell exchange; Sickle cell disease.