Transfusion practice for sickle cell disease in a Belgian reference centre

Dr Yvan Momo, a haematologist at the Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles in Brussels, presents an analysis of transfusion practices in a Belgian sickle cell reference centre, assessing their adherence to European guidelines. 

This retrospective study examined all transfusions administered to sickle cell patients between January 2013 and October 2022. For each transfusion, the indication and its conformity to the guidelines were documented. A similar study conducted at the same institution a decade ago, before the introduction of specific guidelines for transfusion in sickle cell disease, provides a basis for comparison. The results indicate a higher adherence to European transfusion guidelines over the past ten years. Nevertheless, some transfusions still do not comply with the guidelines. 

Despite the inherent limitations of a retrospective study, these findings underscore the importance of raising awareness about the specific management of sickle cell disease and the need for local initiatives to enhance transfusion practices.