Management of Alloimmunization in Sickle Cell Disease in the Age of Molecular Medicine
Program Code: 5430-TC
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
4:00 PM to 5:30 PM (ET)

MODERATOR
Connie Westhoff, PHD, SBB, New York Blood Center

SPEAKERS
Kim Smith-Whitley, MD, Children's Hosp of Philadelphia, Division of Hematology
Connie Westhoff, PHD, SBB, New York Blood Center

DESCRIPTION
Alloimmunization is a major complication of transfusion in sickle cell disease (SCD). In the last few years, many programs have embraced antigen- or phenotype-matching to minimize alloimmunization risks. This program will focus on the successes and shortcomings of this approach.
In addition, the realities of donor recruitment and administering ethnic matching programs will be discussed. The potential promise for genetic-matching for blood groups with DNA array technologies will be presented.