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Sickle cell anemia - Prevention

Alternative Names

Anemia - sickle cell; Hemoglobin SS disease (Hb SS); Sickle cell disease

Prevention:

Sickle cell anemia can only occur when two people who carry sickle cell trait have a child together. Genetic counseling is recommended for all carriers of sickle cell trait. About 1 in 12 African Americans has sickle cell trait. It is possible to diagnose sickle cell anemia during pregnancy.

You can prevent sickling of red blood cells by:

  • Getting enough fluids
  • Getting enough oxygen
  • Quickly treating infections

Have physical exams every 3 - 6 months to ensure that you are getting enough nutrition and activity, and that you are receiving the proper vaccinations. Regular eye exams are also recommended.

PREVENTING INFECTIONS

  • People with sickle cell anemia need to keep their immunizations up to date, including Haemophilus influenza, pneumococcal, meningococcal, hepatitis B, and influenza.
  • Some patients may receive antibiotics to prevent infections.

PREVENTING CRISES

Parents should encourage children with sickle cell anemia to lead normal lives.

To reduce sickle cell crises, take the following precautions:

  • To prevent oxygen loss, avoid:
    • Demanding physical activity (especially if the spleen is enlarged)
    • Emotional stress
    • Environments with low oxygen (high altitudes, nonpressurized airplane flights)
    • Smoking
    • Known sources of infection.
  • To make sure you're getting enough fluids:
    • Avoid too much exposure to the sun
    • Have fluids on hand, both at home and away
    • Recognize signs of dehydration
  • To avoid infection:
    • Consider having the child wear a Medic Alert bracelet
    • Have the child vaccinated as recommended by the health care provider
    • Share the above information with teachers and other caretakers, when necessary

Be aware of the effects that chronic, life-threatening illnesses can have on siblings, marriages, parents, and the child.

  • Reviewed last on: 4/5/2009
  • Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Lee MT, Piomelli S, Granger S, et al. Stroke prevention trial in sickle cell anemia (STOP): extended follow-up and final results. Blood. 2006;108:847-852.

Brawley OW, Cornelius LJ, Edwards LR, Gamble VN, Green BL, Inturrisi C, et al. National Institutes of Health consensus development conference statement: hydroxyurea treatment for sickle cell disease. Ann Intern Med. 2008;148:932-938.

Geller AK, O'Connor MK. The sickle cell crisis: a dilemma in pain relief. Mayo Clin Proc. 2008;83:320-323.

Saunthararajah Y, Vichinsky EP, Embury SH. Sickle cell disease. In: Hoffman R, Benz Jr. EJ, Shattil SJ, Furie B, Cohen HJ, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingston; 2005:chap 37.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Sickle Cell Disease in Newborns: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. Sep 2007:AHRQ Publication No. 07-05104-EF-2.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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