Activity Title
Reducing Complications of Therapeutic Blood Transfusion in Sickle Cell Disease
- Introduction (WD2833)
- Module 1. Use of blood transfusion during acute illness (WD2943)
- Module 2. Delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (WD2944)
- Module 3. Management of chronic transfusion (WD2945)
About the Activity
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.
Purpose Statement
The goal of this course is to reduce the burden of transfusion complications in sickle cell disease by increasing the use of evidence-based practices among primary and emergency health care providers who treat these patients.
Educational Objectives
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 blood 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
Target Audience
The course is intended for providers who make clinical decisions about prescribing transfusion for sickle cell disease patients or managing patients who receive transfusions. Appropriate learners include adult, pediatric, and family general practitioners; surgeons, hospitalists and emergency medicine specialists; physician assistants and clinical nurse practitioner (DO, MD, NP, PA).
Faculty w/ credentials
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 blood transfusion during acute illness (WD2943)
- Peter A. Lane, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine; Director, Sickle Cell Disease Program, Childrens 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
Unapproved Use Disclosure
Content will not include any discussion of the unlabeled use of a product or a product under investigational use.
Non-endorsement of Products
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.
Method of Participation
There are no fees for participating in and receiving credit for this activity. In order to receive credit,
Joint Providership Statement
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.
Accreditation Statement and Contact Hours
Please view individual modules.
Financial Support
CDC did not accept commercial support for this continuing education activity.
Acknowledgment
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.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about this activity, please contact Mary Hulihan PhD, Health Scientist, Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Blood Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, CDC, at 404-498-6724.
System Requirements
- 2 gigabytes of RAM
- High speed internet connection
- Any one Internet browser:
- Firefox (Most Current Version)
- Safari (Most Current Version)
- Google Chrome (Most Current Version)
- MS Internet Explorer (Most Current Version)
- Cookies and JavaScript must be enabled in all browsers.
- All browsers must have flash plug in installed and enabled.
- Cookies and JavaScript must be enabled in all browsers.
- All browsers must have flash plug in installed and enabled.