Transfusions Reduce Infarct Recurrence in Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia is associated with cerebrovascular disease that can result in considerable physical and mental disability. Regular blood transfusion decreases the prevalence of strokes in children with sickle cell anemia, but whether it reduces recurrence of infarcts (strokes or silent cerebral infarcts) in these patients has been unclear.

To examine this issue, investigators conducted a multicenter, randomized, single-blind trial involving 196 children (mean age, 10 years) with either hemoglobin SS or Sβ⁰ thalassemia. After receiving baseline magnetic resonance imaging, participants who had one or more infarct-like lesions were randomized to observation or monthly transfusions to maintain a hemoglobin concentration >9 g/dL and a hemoglob…