Informed consent for exchange blood transfusions in sickle cell disease.

This article examines the importance of information giving and its role in gaining informed consent from patients with sickle cell disease requiring exchange blood transfusion for the management of stroke. The rationale for the use of exchange blood transfusion in patients with sickle cell disease who have had a stroke is explained. The impact of stroke on cognition is highlighted and the implications for informed decision making are considered. Other factors such as communicating risk are discussed.