Sickle cell disease transfusion program launched in Saskatchewan
Beginning July 27, 2022, adult patients living with sickle cell disease in Saskatchewan will have access to red blood cell exchange (RBCX) transfusions in Regina and Saskatoon.
The frequency of RBCX transfusions varies according to patient need but on average, is required every four to six weeks. Previously, RBCX transfusions were only available to adult patients out-of-province. Pediatric patients may access RBCX at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) in Saskatoon.
“The addition of the Red Blood Cell Exchange procedure to the SHA Apheresis Program is the result of a collaborative partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Kidney Health and Transfusion Medicine Programs, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, and the Ministry of Health,” said Diane Kozakewycz, SHA Director Kidney Health (Regina and Rural). “This collaboration demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the partners to connect the people of Saskatchewan with quality, safe, care as close to home as possible and supports the vision of Healthy People, Healthy Saskatchewan.”
The first patient received the procedure today in Regina.
“I hope having this program in Saskatchewan creates awareness that even with regular red cell exchange, sometimes sickle cell patients may experience crisis,” said Brenda Swaray, the first sickle cell patient to receive an RBCX transfusion in Saskatchewan.
Sickle cell disease is a relatively rare, inherited disease caused when hemoglobin is present in red blood cells, causing them to be crescent or sickle-sharped. Sickle cell disease can result in severe impacts on health and quality of life, including complications such as acute chest syndrome, stroke, or multi-organ failure. RBCX transfusions assist with relief from symptoms and pain and help to prevent complications.
“I am very pleased that SHA Kidney Health and the SCA are able to offer this therapy in Saskatchewan. This treatment will have a significant impact on patients with sickle cell illness, providing access and treatment in their home province,” said Dr. Bonnie Richardson, SHA Medical Lead for Apheresis (Regina). “We can now offer the treatment to patients hospitalized with acute sickle cell complications while also offering treatments to prevent hospitalizations and travel out of province.”
The procedure is available to Saskatchewan patients by physician referral at Regina General Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon but can be delivered in urgent/emergent situations in any acute care facility in Regina or Saskatoon.