Sickle Cell Anemia Columbia County Medical Assistant Association

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.

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

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

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

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

Treatment Blood transfusions Folic acid Oral antibiotics Hydroxyurea Bone marrow transfusions

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

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