Exchange transfusion is a procedure in which a patient's blood, or components of it, is gradually removed and replaced with donated blood or blood products, used most often to treat severe neonatal jaundice or hemolytic disease of the newborn caused by Rh incompatibility. The technique was originally developed by physician Alexander Wiener soon after he co-discovered the Rh blood factor, bringing the procedure into clinical use in the late 1930s and early 1940s. By replacing a large fraction of the patient's circulating blood, exchange transfusion rapidly lowers bilirubin and antibody levels that a simple transfusion cannot address.
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Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia FoundationExchange Transfusion - Lead section
An exchange transfusion (ET) is a blood transfusion in which the patient's blood or components of it are exchanged with (replaced by) other blood or blood products.
Alexander S. Wiener article, Rh factor section
In 1946, Dr. Wiener created the first medical procedure to combat the problem, which he called an exchange transfusion.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exchange_transfusion, lead section
An exchange transfusion (ET) is a blood transfusion in which the patient's blood or components of it are exchanged with other blood or blood products.
View the Source Frequently Asked Questions
What is an exchange transfusion and how is it done?
A transfusion in which the patient's blood is removed and replaced with donor blood or blood products, in repeated cycles.
An exchange transfusion is a blood transfusion in which the patient's blood or components of it are exchanged with (replaced by) other blood or blood products. It is done in cycles, each usually lasting a few minutes. The patient's blood is slowly withdrawn (usually about 5 to 20 mL at a time, depending on the patient's size and the severity of illness), and a slightly larger amount of fresh, prewarmed blood or plasma flows into the patient's body. This cycle is repeated until the correct volume of blood has been replaced.
What conditions are treated with an exchange transfusion?
Sickle-cell disease, hemolytic disease of the newborn and polycythemia.
Exchange transfusion is used in the treatment of a number of diseases, including sickle-cell disease and hemolytic disease of the newborn. Partial exchange might be required for polycythemia. In sickle-cell disease it is used as an emergency procedure to treat life-threatening complications such as stroke and acute chest syndrome, as well as an elective procedure to stop these complications occurring. Exchange transfusion for hemolytic disease of the newborn is now uncommon since the introduction of anti-D prophylaxis in pregnancy. This record describes what the sources state and is not medical advice.
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