Anemia in SCD patients can be caused by problems with the spleen known as splenic sequestration crisis and aplastic crisis. In splenic sequestration crisis the red blood cells become stuck in the spleen making it enlarge rapidly. Because these cells are trapped, there are fewer cells to circulate through the blood, resulting in anemia. Aplastic crisis occurs when a common infection known as Parvovirus B19 is caught. Parvovirus is a common infection in childhood also known as fifths disease, a viral illness entailing a low-grade fever, cold-like symptoms, and a bright red rash on the face. This virus can cause the bone marrow to halt the making of red blood cells for some time which in return causes anemia. Symptoms of anemia are shortness of
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This can also lead to blood, lung, and bone infections. Iron supplements to help treat anemia will not help those with sickle cell disease. This type of anemia is not caused by an iron deficiency but rather a lack of adequate red blood cells. Blood transfusions are the most common treatment for anemia, though they are still risky. Multiple blood transfusion can cause excess iron to build up in the body, known as hemosiderosis, and cause damage to the liver, heart, pancreas, and other organs. To prevent iron build up in patients who need multiple blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy may be sought to help the body reduce the excess …show more content…
A daily antibiotic such as penicillin or erythromycin is usually recommended and is especially important for children. Some patients may even be on a daily painkiller regime, such as ibuprofen, to help maintain pain and limit the number of hospital stays due to pain crises. This helps to build immunity against infection. Staying up-to-date on immunizations as well as the flu shot is an important thing, too. Vitamin supplements, such as folic acid, are usually recommended as well to help the body create new red blood cells. A drug known as hydroxyurea, also called hydroxycarbamide, is an oral medication that has been shown to reduce and prevent numerous SCD complications in both adults and children when taken daily. It is known to increase the number of fetal hemoglobin cells and provide some protection against hemoglobin S effects. It has also been shown to decrease the number of pain crises, blood transfusions, and acute chest syndrome. Anemia was also improved in patients taking
This can also lead to blood, lung, and bone infections. Iron supplements to help treat anemia will not help those with sickle cell disease. This type of anemia is not caused by an iron deficiency but rather a lack of adequate red blood cells. Blood transfusions are the most common treatment for anemia, though they are still risky. Multiple blood transfusion can cause excess iron to build up in the body, known as hemosiderosis, and cause damage to the liver, heart, pancreas, and other organs. To prevent iron build up in patients who need multiple blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy may be sought to help the body reduce the excess …show more content…
A daily antibiotic such as penicillin or erythromycin is usually recommended and is especially important for children. Some patients may even be on a daily painkiller regime, such as ibuprofen, to help maintain pain and limit the number of hospital stays due to pain crises. This helps to build immunity against infection. Staying up-to-date on immunizations as well as the flu shot is an important thing, too. Vitamin supplements, such as folic acid, are usually recommended as well to help the body create new red blood cells. A drug known as hydroxyurea, also called hydroxycarbamide, is an oral medication that has been shown to reduce and prevent numerous SCD complications in both adults and children when taken daily. It is known to increase the number of fetal hemoglobin cells and provide some protection against hemoglobin S effects. It has also been shown to decrease the number of pain crises, blood transfusions, and acute chest syndrome. Anemia was also improved in patients taking