Sickle Cell Anemia

1. Sickle Cell Anemia Columbia County Medical Assistant Association

2. Sickle Cell Anemia Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the red blood cells, normally disk-shaped, become crescent-shaped. This causes blood cells to function abnormally and causes small blood clots. These clots cause painful episodes called sickle cell crises.

3. Sickle Cell Crises • Hemolytic crisis – damaged red blood cells break down • Splenic sequestration crisis – spleen enlarges and traps blood cells • Aplastic crisis – infection causes the bone marrow to stop producing red blood cells

4. Symptoms • Bone pain • Fatigue • Paleness • Ulcers on lower legs • Jaundice • Fever • Yellow eyes/skin

5. Additional Symptoms • Frequent urination • Excessive thirst • Bloody urine • Poor eyesight/blindness • Chest pain

6. Complications • Infections – spleen damage from sickled red cells prevents the spleen from destroying bacteria in the blood • Stroke – narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the brain can lead to life-threatening strokes • Acute chest syndrome – caused by infection or trapped sickled cells in the lung

7. Treatment • Blood transfusions • Folic acid • Oral antibiotics • Hydroxyurea • Bone marrow transfusions

8. Additional Treatments • Dialysis or kidney transplant for kidney disease • Surgery for eye problems • Gallbladder removal for significant gallstone disease • Partial exchange transfusion for acute chest syndrome

9. Precautions • Avoid the following: • Strenuous physical activity • Environments with low oxygen count • Emotional stress • Avoid sources of infection • Maintain proper hydration