Experience of Transfusion Exchanges at the Center for Mixed Medicine and SS Anemia; Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

Context: Sickle cell anemia is a genetic and hereditary disease due to the presence of hemoglobin S. The Transfusion exchanges are carried out for preventive purposes or/and curative of certain complications.Objective: the assigned objective is to list indications, observed reactions, initial and final hemoglobin rates as well as different blood groups from sickle cell patients homozygous SS who had benefited from transfusion exchanges.Patients and Methods: This documentary and descriptive studies were carried out from December the first 2012 to July 31/2020 at the Center for Medicine Mixed and Anemia SS in Kinshasa.The technique of transfusion exchanges was manual.The parameters used were age, sex, pre-exchange hemoglobin level, post-exchange hemoglobin level, blood group, indications, and immediate and late reactions observed.Results: Transfusion exchanges have been done on 128 sickle cell patients including 47 males and 81 females with a sex ratio of 0.58.The greatest indication was stroke with 49.2%.The age group 0 -10 years represents 57.6% of strokes.Observed reactions were urticaria 11.7%, Fever 8.6%, Headaches 6.5%, Vomiting 3.1%, and 70.3% have shown no reactions.The initial average hemoglobin rate is 8.2 g%.The final average hemoglobin is 9.2 with an increase.The most represented blood group is O + with 32.8%.Conclusion: The manual exchange transfusion is adjusted depending upon the medium condition and requires further improvement for better following of patients.