Con: Exchange transfusion is not required for sickle cell trait patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract

SICKLE CELL TRAIT (SCT) is found mostly in those patients of West Indian and/or African-American origin, with an incidence of about 10%. 1 Ohashi Y. Akamatsu T. Hirata T. et al. Cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient with sickle-cell trait. Masui. 1996; 45: 1269-1271 PubMed Google Scholar This inherited condition leads to substitution of valine for glutamic acid in position 6 of beta-hemoglobin. In SCT, the typical levels of sickle hemoglobin (HbS) are between 30% to 50%. 1 Ohashi Y. Akamatsu T. Hirata T. et al. Cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient with sickle-cell trait. Masui. 1996; 45: 1269-1271 PubMed Google Scholar The author’s contention is that sickle trait patients do not need exchange transfusion before surgery requiring the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).