Only 3% of US sickle cell patients receive red blood cell exchange for disease, researchers find
A new study reveals that fewer than 3% of US sickle cell disease patients receive red blood cell exchange therapy, despite 91% of surveyed healthcare providers having access to the procedure. Researchers point to insurance coverage hurdles and systemic barriers as major factors preventing patients from accessing this effective treatment.
Why it matters
Highlighting severe treatment disparities for a genetic disorder affecting marginalized communities emphasizes persistent healthcare equity and insurance access gaps in the US.
Researchers work at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute on 8 February 2024 in Bethesda, Maryland./Getty Images Researchers work at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute on 8 February 2024 in Bethesda, Maryland./Getty Images Sickle cell disease Only 3% of US sickle cell patients receive red blood cell exchange for disease, researchers find Various factors block sufferers of disease from receiving treatment that is effective and has widespread availability
Prefer the Guardian on Google Sickle cell patients are missing out on an effective treatment despite widespread US hospital access to the technology, new research has found.
That treatment is called a red blood cell exchange, a procedure that discards a patient’s damaged red blood cells while simultaneously mixing the patient’s remaining plasma, platelets and white blood cells with red blood cells from a donor before returning them to the body.
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