bloodexchange

Blood exchange, also known as exchange transfusion, is a medical procedure used to replace a patient's blood with donor blood. This technique is primarily employed in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to treat conditions such as severe jaundice or hyperbilirubinemia. In infants, high levels of bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown, can be toxic to the brain and lead to serious neurological damage if untreated. A blood exchange transfusion aims to rapidly lower these bilirubin levels.

The procedure involves withdrawing small amounts of the infant's blood and simultaneously infusing compatible donor blood. This is typically done through an umbilical venous catheter or peripheral venous access. The exchange is performed gradually, often in small aliquots, to minimize stress on the infant's cardiovascular system. By replacing the infant's blood, the bilirubin is removed, and also any antibodies that may be causing red blood cell destruction.

Beyond neonatal care, blood exchange transfusions can also be utilized in other critical situations. For instance, it can be used to treat certain types of poisoning, such as with carbon monoxide or specific drugs, where the donor blood can dilute the toxin and remove it from circulation. In rare cases of severe hemolytic disease of the newborn, where the mother's antibodies attack the baby's red blood cells, exchange transfusion is a life-saving intervention. The decision to perform a blood exchange transfusion is based on specific clinical criteria and the severity of the underlying condition.