By MD Jennifer Andrews, MD, MSc, and Marisa B. Marques
Affecting millions around the world, sickle cell disease (SCD) in the United States disproportionately affects African Americans and Hispanic Americans at a rate of 1 in 365 or 16,300 births, respectively. Since the first edition of this book more than 20 years ago, significant advances have made this is a truly exciting time with new therapies and curative options. Transfusion remains a critical tool in the therapeutic armamentarium, and this book offers the most recent research and best clinical practices from leading experts, including something for everyone involved in the treatment of SCD patients-clinicians, laboratory staff, and administrators. Eleven chapters cover the following broad topic areas: Foundational pathology of SCD Indications and best approaches for transfusion, from simple transfusions to isovolemic exchange procedures Alloimmunization and the use of molecular diagnostics Other complications of SCD and of transfusion Pragmatic clinical and coordinated laboratory model of best care Stem cell and other cellular therapies