Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects millions of people worldwide and is particularly common among those whose ancestors came from sub-Saharan Africa, Spanish-speaking regions in the Western Hemisphere (South America, the Caribbean, and Central America), Saudi Arabia, India, and Mediterranean countries (such as Turkey, Greece, and Italy).
SCD is an umbrella term for a group of hemoglobinopathies characterized by the presence of two β-globin gene mutations or deletions, at least one of which is the point mutation that leads to the production of hemoglobin S (HbS). SCD is associated with hemolytic anemia, significant chronic end-organ damage, and early death.
The goals of treatment are symptom control and management of disease complications. Treatment strategies include:
Management of vaso-occlusive crisis
Management of chronic pain syndromes
Management of chronic hemolytic anemia
Prevention and treatment of infections
Management of the complications and the end-organ damage associated with the disease
Prevention of stroke
How much do you know about the management of SCD? Test your knowledge with this quick quiz.
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Cite this: Sophie M. Lanzkron. Fast Five Quiz: Sickle Cell Disease Management - Medscape - Aug 17, 2023.
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