Management of Sickle Cell Disease in Children.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a heterogeneous inherited disorder of hemoglobin that causes chronic hemolytic anemia, vaso-occlusion, and endothelial dysfunction. These physiologic derangements often lead to multiorgan damage in infancy and throughout childhood. The most common types of SCD are homozygous hemoglobin S (HbSS disease), hemoglobin SC disease, and sickle β thalassemia. HbSS disease and sickle β(0) thalassemia often are referred to as sickle cell anemia because they have similar severity. Screening and preventive measures, including infection prophylaxis and vaccination, have significantly improved outcomes for children with SCD. Evidence-based therapies, such as hydroxyurea and transfusion, play an important role in preventing progression of select complications. Many chronic complications develop insidiously and require multidisciplinary care for effective treatment. Primary care physicians, as well as physicians in many other disciplines, may care for these patients and should be familiar with the potential acute and chronic complications of this disease. This review addresses healthcare maintenance guidelines, common complications, and recommendations for management of pediatric patients with SCD.
From the Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, the Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, and the Division of Hematology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina.
Suzie A
SA
Noronha
From the Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, the Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, and the Division of Hematology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina.
S Christy
SC
Sadreameli
From the Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, the Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, and the Division of Hematology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina.
John J
JJ
Strouse
D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D000986:Antisickling Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006918:Hydroxyurea / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology
D000986:Antisickling Agents; D006918:Hydroxyurea