Blood transfusion in sickle cell disease

Blood transfusion can be life-saving in sickle cell disease. There is an increasing body of literature available to help define its place in this patient population. In this review, we have brought together the reported trials, case reports and our experience to discuss the role of transfusion now and in the future for sickle cell disease. Advances are continually being made in all fields and we have in addition considered the relevant ones from immunohaematology, virology and clinical medicine so that their impact on the subject is taken into consideration.