Treatment
Sickle cell disease has no cure, as it is a genetic blood disorder. However there are some treatments that help to eliminate complications and episodes of pain. Treatments for pain include mild analgesics, oxygen therapy, and hydration. Often servere pain requires hospitalization and opioid analgesics.Severe cases of sickle cell can be treated with hydroxyurea. This medication was originally used as a cancer drug, but has shown results in other patients. Hydroxyurea interrupts DNA synthesis, and essentially stimulates the body to produce more fetal hemoglobin. This is beneficial to sickle cell patients because it increases the amount of normal hemoglobin in the body, decreasing complications associated with the abnormal hemoglobin and abnormal cell shape.
Additional treatments are necessary to prevent and treat infections. Some patients require a daily dose of antibiotics as a preventative measure. Additional prevention measures are flu and pneumonia vaccines remaining up to date. Regular health care appointments with a primary care provider, as well as a specialist is incredibly important for this population.
For more information on treatment check out the sickle cell anemia page on the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Looking forward to hearing more about your experience with the teens and your mentor Kristen.
ReplyDeleteHow often and what types of scenarios do blood transfusions come into play?
ReplyDeleteBlood transfusions are a common source of relief for several patients. Some patients receive transfusions to prevent complications such as stroke, acute chest syndrome, or spleen problems. Others receive transfusions to boost treatments for worsening anemia, infections, or enlarged spleen (from too many destroyed red blood cells). There are some side effects that can happen from blood transfusions, but most are safe and effective for treating complications.
ReplyDeleteGreat question! I only highlighted some treatments so I am glad you asked.