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