blood disorders
Sickle Cell Disease
Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease
Treatments aimed at preventing crises Treatment of crises and conditions that cause them Treatment is aimed at Preventing crises Controlling the anemia Relieving symptoms Stem Cell Transplantation may cure sickle cell disease. Bone marrow or stem cells from a family member or other donor who does not have the sickle cell gene may be transplanted in a person with the disease. Although such transplantation may be curative, it is risky and so it is not often done. Recipients must take drugs that suppress the immune system for the rest of their life. Gene therapy, a technique in which normal genes are implanted in precursor cells (cells that produce blood cells), is being studied. People who have sickle cell disease should try to avoid activities that reduce the amount of oxygen in their blood and should seek prompt medical attention for even minor illnesses, such as viral infections. Because people are at increased risk of infection, they should receive vaccines for Pneumococcal Vaccine , Drugs can help control sickle cell disease. For example,hydroxyureaincreases the production of a form of hemoglobin found predominantly in fetuses, which decreases the number of red blood cells becoming sickle-shaped. Therefore, it reduces the frequency of sickle cell crises and acute chest syndrome. New drugs that help control the symptoms and complications of sickle cell disease areL-glutamine,crizanlizumab, andvoxelotor. People are givenfolic acid, a vitamin that helps the body make new red blood cells. Overview of Blood Transfusion may be given to correct the anemia. Sickle cell crisis may require hospitalization. People are given oxygen, fluid by vein (intravenously), and drugs to relieve pain. Overview of Blood Transfusion and oxygen are given for anemia that is severe enough to pose a risk of stroke, heart attack, or lung damage. Conditions that may have caused the crisis, such as an infection, are treated. 