Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment Guidelines

Sickle cell anemia is characterized by misshapen, rigid, sticky red blood cells. Their irregular shape causes them to get stuck in the blood vessels, which interferes with proper blood and oxygen flow throughout the body. This condition also causes a constant shortage of red blood cells. Sickle cell anemia is an inherited condition and treatment begins in childhood. Treatment aims to relieve pain and prevent complications. Your doctor will determine which specific treatments are appropriate for you.

General Treatment Information

• Bone marrow transplants offer a potential cure for the condition, but finding donors is difficult and the procedure poses serious risks, including death. Due to the risks of the procedure and the negative side effects of the subsequent immune-suppressing drugs, it is only suggested for severe cases. If you have sickle cell anemia, you need to visit your doctor regularly so she can check your red blood cell count and monitor your health. Medications, supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions are commonly used for sickle cell anemia.

Stroke Risk

• Stroke is one of the most serious potential complications of sickle cell anemia. Doctors use a transcranial ultrasound machine to identify which children have a higher risk of stroke. You can use this test on children as young as two. Children with a higher risk will begin receiving regular blood transfusions.

Medications

• Children with sickle cell anemia will use the antibiotic penicillin from two months to five years of age. This prevents infections like pneumonia, which can be deadly for infants and children with this condition. If you are an adult, antibiotics are prescribed to fight off certain infections.

  Sickle cell anemia causes intermittent episodes of pain known as crises. They are most common when blood flow to the abdomen, chest and joints are blocked. For mild episodes, your doctor will advise over-the-counter pain medicine. Prescription pain medication can relieve severe episodes. In some cases, you will need to be hospitalized to receive the medication intravenously.

  Hydroxyurea, a common cancer medication, is helpful for adults with a severe case of sickle cell. Daily use reduces the number of crises and necessary blood transfusions. It encourages the production of a form of hemoglobin that prevents the formation of abnormal blood cells.

Blood Transfusions and Supplemental Oxygen

• Blood transfusions are necessary to increase the number of red blood cells in your body. This relieves anemia. Regular blood transfusions lead to excess amounts of iron in your body. Excess iron can seriously damage your organs. If you undergo regular transfusions, it is necessary to take medication to reduce your iron levels. A common treatment is deferasirox; it can be used in people over two years old. If you are suffering from acute chest syndrome, a complication that causes difficulty breathing or a sickle cell crisis, supplemental oxygen can help you breathe better.

Self-Care Suggestions

• The following self-care strategies can help you or your child manage sickle cell anemia. Take folic acid supplements every day, which helps produce new red blood cells. Consult your doctor to determine an appropriate dosage. Drink at least eight glasses of water daily and avoid temperature extremes; these measures reduce the formation of new sickle cells. Reduce stress to head off a sickle crisis.