Impact of erythrocytapheresis on natural anticoagulant levels in children with sickle cell disease: A pilot study.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is being increasingly recognized in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). In a retrospective cohort study, we identified bilateral central venous catheter (CVC) placement as an independent risk factor for VTE. At our institution, the only indication for bilateral CVC placement in children with SCD is erythrocytapheresis. To investigate the impact of erythrocytapheresis on coagulation, we measured levels of natural anticoagulants in 11 patients with SCD on chronic erythrocytapheresis, immediately before and after apheresis. We demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in most parameters. Additional studies are needed to further investigate the exact etiology and clinical impact of this acute decrease.