Red blood cell transfusions during sickle cell anemia vaso-occlusive crises: a report from the magnesium in crisis (MAGiC) study.

Publication/Presentation Date

8-1-2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Little is known about red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices for children hospitalized for a sickle cell vaso-occlusive pain crisis (VOC). We hypothesized that transfusion would be associated with the development of acute chest syndrome (ACS), lower hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and lack of hydroxyurea therapy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of all children admitted for a sickle cell pain crisis enrolled in the Magnesium in Crisis (MAGiC) randomized trial; all had HbSS or S-β

RESULTS: Of 204 enrolled children, 40 (19.6%) received a transfusion. Of the 30 children who developed ACS, 22 (73.3%) received transfusions compared to 18 of 174 (10.3%) without ACS: the RR of transfusion in children with ACS was 7.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.4-11.5). Among those without ACS, the lowest Hb was most strongly associated with transfusions: RR was 3.1 (95% CI 2.0 - 4.7) for each 1 g/dL decrease in lowest Hb. In a binary recursive partitioning model for those without ACS, a lowest recorded Hb level of less than 6.3 g/dL was significantly associated with transfusion during admission (p <  0.01). Hydroxyurea use was not associated with transfusions in any analysis.

CONCLUSION: ACS increased the RR of transfusion in children hospitalized for VOC sevenfold. In children without ACS, transfusion was associated with lowest Hb concentration, particularly Hb concentration of less than 6.3 g/dL.

Volume

57

Issue

8

First Page

1891

Last Page

1897

ISSN

1537-2995

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

28500682

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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