Design, rationale, and baseline patient characteristics for the Sickle Cell Disease and CardiovAscular Risk - Red cell Exchange (SCD-CARRE) trial

The Sickle Cell Disease and CardiovAscular Risk - Red cell Exchange (SCD-CARRE) trial aims to determine whether an automated chronic red blood cell exchange (RBCX) transfusion strategy can reduce acute health care encounters and mortality while improving quality of life and organ function in adults with sickle cell disease at high risk of death. The study enrolled 173 participants with specific cardiovascular and renal risk factors, comparing outcomes between those receiving RBCX plus standard care and those receiving standard care alone. Results are pending, but the trial emphasizes the importance of patient-centered outcomes and the preservation of cardiovascular health in this population.