Transfusion therapy for cerebrovascular abnormalities in sickle cell disease.

Cerebral angiograms were performed in patients with sickle cell disease and symptoms of stroke to evaluate transfusion therapy for cerebrovascular accidents. Three patients who were transfused repeatedly for one year to maintain less than 30% hemoglobin S were compared to two patients who were not transfused. All patients had abnormal angiograms initially. After one year the angiographic abnormalities resolved in two and improved in one transfused child. The two children who were not transfused showed progressive vascular disease. For all arteriograms, the patients were prepared by transfusion with normal red cells and careful hydration.