What Are the Treatments for Sickle Cell Disease?

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, sickle cell disease, or sickle cell anemia, is an inherited blood disorder in which red blood cells become sickle-shaped as a result of the body's production of defective hemoglobin. While normal, disk-shaped red blood cells easily move through blood vessels, sickle-shaped red blood cells tend to form clumps, resulting in blockages that impair the flow of oxygen. As the Mayo Clinic states, there is no readily accessible cure for sickle cell disease, so treatment focuses on reducing symptoms, preventing crises and avoiding complications.

Pain Medicines

• According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, pain medications are a common treatment for sickle cell crises, the episodes of sudden pain that occur as a result of red blood cells clumping and blocking the normal flow of oxygen. Pain medications include over-the-counter options such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen and narcotics such as morphine and oxycodone.

Fluids

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, fluids are used to prevent and treat sickle cell crises. As the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute explains, sickle cell crises are more likely to occur when people with sickle cell anemia are dehydrated.

Antibiotics and Vaccines

• Antibiotics are routinely given to prevent infections in children between the ages of two months and five years, as such children are particularly susceptible to fatal infections, according to the Mayo Clinic. Antibiotics may be used to treat certain infections in older children and adults. According to National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, children and adults should also receive all recommended vaccinations, including yearly flu shots.

Blood Transfusions

• As the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute explains, blood transfusions are used to treat anemia and other sickle cell disease complications such as infections. Blood transfusions may also be used on a routine basis to prevent sickle cell complications such as stroke or pneumonia.

Hydroxyurea

• According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment for sickle cell disease may also include daily use of hydroxyurea, a drug typically used to treat cancer. Hydroxyurea can be helpful in preventing sickle cell crises and reducing the need for blood transfusions in adults with severe sickle cell anemia. Long-term use of hydroxyurea, however, may cause undesirable complications in some people.

Bone Marrow Transplant

• According to the Mayo Clinic, bone marrow transplants can cure sickle cell disease, but the procedure carries significant risks, and many patients are unable to find matching donors. Bone marrow transplants are generally only recommended for patients suffering severe sickle cell symptoms.

Treating Other Complications

• Additional treatment for sickle cell disease depends on the nature of the complications that arise as a result of the disease. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, possible complications may include such problems as eye damage, leg ulcers, acute chest syndrome and gallbladder disease.