Table 2.

Comparison between simple and exchange transfusion

Simple transfusionExchange transfusion
Description • Infuse donor blood without removing patient's blood • Remove patient's blood during or shortly before infusing donor blood
• May be partial or total exchange
• May be performed manually or via apheresis 
Indication/recommendation • Acute anemia
• Acute complications (ie, ACS) with Hb 
• Severe ACS failing to respond to simple transfusion
• Acute complications with Hb ≥9 g/dL
• Conditions requiring reduced HbS percentage (ie, stroke/stroke prevention 
Potential risks and/or limitations • Hyperviscosity
• Iron overload 
• Iron overload (less frequent than simple transfusion)
• May require central venous catheter
• Requires specialized equipment and trained staff
• Costly (compared to simple transfusion 
Simple transfusionExchange transfusion
Description • Infuse donor blood without removing patient's blood • Remove patient's blood during or shortly before infusing donor blood
• May be partial or total exchange
• May be performed manually or via apheresis 
Indication/recommendation • Acute anemia
• Acute complications (ie, ACS) with Hb 
• Severe ACS failing to respond to simple transfusion
• Acute complications with Hb ≥9 g/dL
• Conditions requiring reduced HbS percentage (ie, stroke/stroke prevention 
Potential risks and/or limitations • Hyperviscosity
• Iron overload 
• Iron overload (less frequent than simple transfusion)
• May require central venous catheter
• Requires specialized equipment and trained staff
• Costly (compared to simple transfusion 

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