A Study On Sickle Cell Disease - 1785 Words

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION Sickle Cell Disease Sickle Cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder in which abnormal hemoglobin is produced in red blood cells. The body creates sickle red blood cells, which are crescent shaped instead of the typical round shape. This shape of the sickle cells are stiff, as well as stick and because of this they tend to block blood flow in the blood vessels of the limbs and organs. This blockage will cause pain and organ damage, as well as serious infection. (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [NHLBI], 2014.). Sickle Cell Disease is also known as sickle cell anemia and Hemoglobin SS Disease. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) there is an estimate of 70,000-100,000†¦show more content†¦SCD produces a group of symptoms known as a sickle cell crisis. These are episodes of pain that can be vary in its frequency and severity. When the body begins to over exert itself, due to illness, physical or emotional stress, or even high altitudes, it begins to demand more oxygen, which increases sickle cell crises. (NHLBI, 2014). There is no timetable to how long these crises can last, it can be hours or it could be days. They affect the back, the long bones such as legs and arms, and the chest. It also affects breathing and oxygen levels which can cause acute chest syndrome. Patients may require hospitalization for several days to receive intravenous fluids and narcotics for pain (NHLBI, 2014). One example of the complications of SCD and the need to be watched in a hospital facility during a crisis is if a blood clot that is formed because of th e sickle cells is formed in the brain, a stroke can occur, which can lead to paralysis or death (Gaston, 1990). Patients with SCD report a wide range of frequency of pain episodes, from one or two episodes a year to several per month (Chen, Cole, Kato, 2004) Hydroxyurea (HU) and long-term blood transfusions can be affective to decrease pain and crises while treating SCD, but it is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation that can be considered a curative approach, though