Online Education

Reducing Complications of Therapeutic Blood Transfusion in Sickle Cell Disease

• Introduction (WD2833)
• Module 1. Use of Transfusion During Acute Illness (WD2943)
• Module 2. Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reactions (WD2944)
• Module 3. Management of Chronic Transfusion (WD2945)

Transfusion is an established therapy in sickle cell disease. It can treat and prevent certain disease complications, reducing morbidity and mortality; but there are unique aspects of transfusing individuals with sickle cell disease that must be taken into consideration to maximize benefits and minimize complications. In 2014, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health released an expert panel report on sickle cell disease management that includes evidence-based recommendations for transfusion and the avoidance and management of transfusion complications. In addition, guidelines from Great Britain were published in 2017 addressing laboratory and clinical management of transfusion in sickle cell disease. This course presents these and other important aspects of quality, effective care for individuals with sickle cell disease.

Activities are designed to increase knowledge and change competency of transfusion practices and strategies for individuals with hemoglobin disorders. Content is derived from actual peer-reviewed publications.

Introduction

• Describe the optimal hemoglobin level when transfusing a sickle cell patient
• List common reasons for transfusing individuals with sickle cell disease
• Recognize common complications of transfusion in sickle cell disease
• Locate current evidence-based recommendations for transfusion in sickle cell disease

Module 1. Use of Transfusion During Acute Illness (WD2943)

• Recognize indications for red blood cell transfusion during acute illness in individuals with sickle cell disease
• Describe appropriate selection of blood products for transfusion during acute illness in individuals with SCD
• Identify management strategies for acute splenic sequestration in SCD
• Describe indications for RBC transfusion prior to elective surgical procedures in SCD

Module 2. Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reactions (WD2944)

• Describe practice recommendations for transfusion in sickle cell disease patients with acute chest syndrome
• Explain the pathophysiology of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions and hyperhemolysis
• List techniques for evaluating alloantibodies and DHTR
• Explain the assessment and management of DHTR

Module 3. Management of Chronic Transfusion (WD2945)

• Describe the role of chronic transfusion in preventing and managing certain complications of sickle cell disease
• Describe prevention and management of alloimmunization in individuals on chronic transfusion
• Describe the importance of iron overload in chronically transfused patients with sickle cell disease
• Describe the management of iron overload in patients on chronic transfusion

DOs, MDs, NPs, PAs

Introduction

• James Eckman, M.D., Professor Emeritus of Hematology and Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine; Founding Director of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Grady Health System

Module 1. Use of Transfusion During Acute Illness (WD2943)

• Peter A. Lane, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine; Director, Sickle Cell Disease Program, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Module 2. Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reactions (WD2944)

• Ross Fasano, MD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine; Director of Apheresis and Pediatric Hematologist, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Module 3. Management of Chronic Transfusion (WD2945)

• James Eckman, MD, Professor Emeritus of Hematology and Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine; Founding Director of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Grady Health System

Origination Date: August 25, 2017
Renewal Date: October 16, 2019
Expiration Date: October 16, 2021

Content will not include any discussion of the unlabeled use of a product or a product under investigational use.

CDC, our planners, content experts, and their spouses/partners wish to disclose they have no financial interests or other relationships with the manufacturers of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services, or commercial supporters. Planners have reviewed content to ensure there is no bias.

There are no fees for participating in and receiving credit for this activity. In order to receive credit,

• Complete the Provider Training Video Series at Georgia Health Policy Center
• Complete the evaluation at CDC Training and Continuing Education Online
• Pass the posttest at 75% (minimum score) at CDC Training and Continuing Education Online

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Georgia State University.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emory University School of Medicine, and Georgia State University are jointly providing the CNE for this activity.

CME: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Georgia State University. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is accredited (by the ACCME) to provide medical education for physicians. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CNE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is accredited as a provider of Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Please view individual training videos for information on accreditation and contact hours.

CDC did not accept commercial support for this continuing education activity.

Development of this course was supported by Cooperative Agreement DD14-1406, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC or Department of Health and Human Services.

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