What is transfusion-dependent patient?

Introduction Although no standardized definition exists, transfusion dependence (TD) usually describes patients receiving regular platelet and/or red blood cell (RBC) transfusions more frequently than every 8 weeks due to persistently low counts (1).

What is transfusion-dependent thalassemia?

Transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) is the most severe form of the disease, characterized by severe anemia, and requiresiii lifelong, regular blood transfusions to maintain Hb levels. These transfusions carry the risk of progressive multi-organ damage due to unavoidable iron overload.

What is Hypertransfusion regime?

Hypertransfusion refers to chronic blood transfusion therapy aimed at ameliorating disease complications in various haemopathies particularly the haemoglobinopathies.

What is NTDT?

Non-transfusion-dependent thalassemias (NTDT) is a term used to label patients who do not require lifelong regular transfusions for survival, although they may require occasional or even frequent transfusions in certain clinical settings and usually for defined periods of time (Figure 1).

How long can you live being transfusion dependent?

Scores help to classify patients into low, intermediate-1, intermediate-2 and high risks based on their severity levels. Patients in the lower-risk group generally have a longer survival range of 3-8.8 years, comparing to only 0.8-1.6 years for high-risk patients.

Can you get thalassemia from a blood transfusion?

In the United States, the blood supply is screened and monitored for safety, and the risk of getting an infection from a blood transfusion is very low. Nevertheless, there is still a very small risk of getting an infection through a blood transfusion.

What is Hypertransfusion regimen in thalassemia?

Hypertransfusion therapy is based on the reduction of ineffective erythropoiesis and improvement of the anaemia. To prevent iron overload, continuous chelation therapy was performed with desferrioxamine (DFO). The efficacy of such management in 10 thalassaemia maior patients followed-up for 11 years has been evaluated.

How is thalassemia managed?

How is thalassemia treated? Standard treatments for patients with thalassemia major are blood transfusions and iron chelation. Blood transfusion involves injection of red blood cells through a vein to restore normal levels of healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin.

How is NTDT treated?

Based on the results of a placebo-controlled trial, deferasirox is the only iron chelating agent clinically proven to reduce iron loading in NTDT patients. Initiation of therapy with deferasirox is recommended at an LIC of ≥5 mg/g dw and at an initial dose of 10 mg/kg/day.

What does it mean to have transfusion dependence?

Transfusion dependence. Transfusion dependence (TD) usually describes patients receiving regular platelet and/or red blood cell (RBC) transfusions more frequently than every 8 weeks due to persistently low counts.

What are the guidelines for Transfusion Dependent Thalassaemia?

BLOOD TRANSFUSION – Guidelines for the Management of Transfusion Dependent Thalassaemia (TDT) – NCBI Bookshelf Appropriate goals of transfusion therapy and optimal safety of transfused blood are the key concepts in the protocol for routine administration of red blood cells to patients with thalassaemia.

What are the symptoms of a blood transfusion?

This patient is tachycardic, probably related to pain and/or blood loss. The only symptom he develops during transfusion is fever. This is getting at a nonhemolytic febrile reaction.

What are the major goals of blood transfusion therapy?

Appropriate goals of transfusion therapy and optimal safety of transfused blood are the key concepts in the protocol for routine administration of red blood cells to patients with thalassaemia. The major goals are: Use of donor erythrocytes with an optimal recovery and half-life in the recipient. Achievement of appropriate haemoglobin level.