RBC exchange pheresis for priapism in sickle cell disease
S. Rifkind, J. Waisman, R. Thompson and D. Goldfinger
An intermittent-flow blood cell separator was used to perform a sub-total
RBC exchange pheresis with prompt relief or priapism secondary to sickle
cell disease. The blood cell separator offers an efficient, practical, safe
method of performing exchange transfusion in the adult. Surgical procedures
in the treatment of priapism have met with limited success and carry a 50%
rate of subsequent impotence. We believe that RBC exchange pheresis offers
a superior approach in the treatment of complications of sickle cell
crisis, including priapism, and should be instituted in the symptomatic
patient before more drastic procedures are undertaken.
