Clinical profile and home management of sickle cell-related pain: the Enugu (Nigeria) experience.
OBJECTIVE
To document the pattern of and ability of sickle cell anemic patients to manage painful crises at home.


METHODS
Confirmed HbSS patients or caregivers attending the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, Nigeria, were interviewed, using a questionnaire, on their last painful episode.


RESULTS
The limbs were involved in all ages, but involvement of the joints, ribs, and spine was uncommon in patients under 5 years old. Pain started between 6 pm and 12 midnight in 33.3%. Analgesics with or without massage or hydration was mostly used at home. 29% of subjects required hospitalization.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients need better access to more potent analgesics to reduce the burden on the health system.
Ikefuna
Anthony N
AN
Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. nnaaikefuna@yahoo.com
Emodi
Ifeoma J
IJ
Ocheni
Sunday
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012648:Self Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D000700:Analgesics