Exchange transfusion in severe iron deficiency anemia prior to emergency surgery

Summary A child with severe anemia due to iron deficiency presented with an ileoileal intussusception and hemoglobin level of 1.8 Gm. per 100 ml. Partial exchange transfusion corrected the anemia over a period of 4 1/2 hours without risk of precipitating cardiac failure, and allowed safe conduct of the emergency surgery.