Sickle cell anemia Health Article

Signs and tests

Tests commonly performed to diagnose and monitor patients with sickle cell anemia include:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Hemoglobin electrophoresis
• Sickle cell test

Other tests may include:

• Bilirubin
• Blood oxygen
• CT scan or MRI
• Peripheral smear
• Serum creatinine
• Serum hemoglobin
• Serum potassium
• Urinary casts or blood in the urine
• White blood cell count

Treatment

Patients with sickle cell disease need ongoing treatment, even when they are not having a painful crisis. They should take supplements of folic acid (essential for producing red blood cells) because red blood cells are turned over so quickly.

The purpose of treatment is to manage and control symptoms, and to limit the frequency of crises.

During a sickle crisis, you may need certain treatments. Painful episodes are treated with pain medicines and by drinking plenty of fluids. It is important to treat the pain. Non-narcotic medications may be effective, but some patients will need narcotics.

Hydroxyurea (Hydrea) is a drug some patients use to reduce the number of pain episodes (including chest pain and difficulty breathing). It does not work for everyone.

Antibiotics and vaccines are given to prevent bacterial infections, which are common in children with sickle cell disease.

Blood transfusions are used to treat a sickle cell crisis. They may also be used on a regular basis to help prevent strokes.

Other treatments for complications may include:

• Dialysis or kidney transplant for kidney disease
• Drug rehabilitation and counseling for psychological complications
• Gallbladder removal (if you have gallstone disease)
• Hip replacement for avascular necrosis of the hip
• Irrigation or surgery for persistent, painful erections (priapism)
• Surgery for eye problems
• Wound care, zinc oxide, or surgery for leg ulcers

Bone marrow transplants can cure sickle cell anemia. However, transplants have many risks, including infection, rejection, and graft-vs-host disease. They are not an option for most patients. Also, sickle cell anemia patients are often unable to find suitable donors.