Authors
Ashutosh Lal, Trisha E Wong, Jennifer Andrews, Vinod V Balasa, Jong H Chung, Craig M Forester, Alan K Ikeda, Siobán B Keel, Monica B Pagano, Geetha Puthenveetil, Sanjay J Shah, Jennifer C Yu, Elliott P Vichinsky
Publication date
2018/12
Journal
Transfusion
Volume
58
Issue
12
Pages
2826-2835
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Description
BACKGROUND
The severe forms of thalassemia are the most common inherited anemias managed with regular blood transfusion therapy. Transfusion policies and complications are critical to quality of life and survival, but there is a lack of standardized care.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
A survey of 58 items was completed in 2016 by 11 centers in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona providing long‐term care for thalassemia. The questionnaire addressed demographic information, transfusion practices and complications, and educational needs.
RESULTS
The centers followed 717 patients with β‐thalassemia (314, 43.8%) or α‐thalassemia (394, 55%). One‐third (34.7%) of patients were transfusion‐dependent. Indications and goals of transfusion therapy differed between centers. Prestorage leukoreduction was universal, while routine irradiation of units was limited to one site. Red blood …
Scholar articles
A Lal, TE Wong, J Andrews, VV Balasa, JH Chung… - Transfusion, 2018