Treatment Sickle Cell Anemia
Treatment of sickle cell anemia?
Vaso-occlusive phenomena and hemolysis are the clinical hallmarks of sickle cell disease.
Vaso-occlusion results in recurrent painful episodes (previously called sickle cell crisis) and a variety of serious organ system complications that can lead to life-long disabilities and even death.
Hemolysis of red blood cells (RBC) causes chronic anemia and pigment gallstones.
There are multiple components to the management of SCD, including the prevention and treatment of the complications of SCD, as well as the potential cure for this illness:
- Prevention of complications – Primary prevention of the acute complications of SCD includes routine health management with a Hematologist with expertise in SCD.
Initial prevention of complications includes the use of antibiotic prophylaxis started in the newborn period, appropriate immunizations, and blood transfusions for those at risk for stroke.
Therapies to prevent pain episodes in SCD including hydroxyurea, L-glutamine.
"Hydroxyurea use in sickle cell disease" and "Disease-modifying therapies to prevent pain and other complications of sickle cell disease".
- Treatment of complications – Several treatments are available for the complications of SCD, such as pain medications for vaso-occlusive events and antibiotics for infection.
- Cure – A life-long cure for SCD is available only through hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Gene therapy trials are ongoing and show promise.