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

HIGHLIGHTS

• SCD-CARRE is the first randomized controlled trial to compare chronic red blood cell exchange transfusion to standard of care in high-risk adults with sickle cell disease.
   
• The SCD-CARRE trial successfully enrolled a cohort of N=173 adult patients with sickle cell disease at high risk of death.
   
• SCD-CARRE will evaluate the effect of chronic red blood cell exchange transfusion on the number of acute healthcare encounters or death over 13 months, exercise capacity, cardiovascular function, and health related quality of life.
   
• The SCD-CARRE trial has the potential to influence current practice patterns and clinical guidelines for high-risk patients with sickle cell disease.