Sickle Cell Anemia Complications Can Be Reduced With Targeted Treatments

Main Category: Blood / Hematology
Also Included In: Pain / Anesthetics;  Genetics
Article Date: 13 Oct 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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Sickle cell anemia is a potentially debilitating disease, but according to a Geisinger physician targeted treatments and coping methods are available to ease the pain and reduce the chance for complications.

"Sickle cell anemia is a dangerous and often painful condition, but if patients and their families are proactive about taking the proper medication and following treatment plans recommended by their doctors, the risk of complications can be reduced," said Jagadeesh Ramdas, M.D., Section Head, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Geisinger's Janet Weis Children's Hospital.

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease that occurs when patients have abnormally shaped red blood cells.

"Red blood cells are usually circular, but sickle cells are crescent shaped," Dr. Ramdas said. "The abnormal shape of sickle cells can lead to a variety of complications, including serious health incidents such as acute chest syndrome, pulmonary hypertension and stroke."

Patients with sickle cell anemia routinely experience episodes of pain in the abdominal region, chest, joints and bones, Dr. Ramdas said. Other complications can include gallstones, damage to internal organs such as the kidneys or spleen, and retina damage that can lead to blindness.

The disease is most commonly found in African American, Latin American and Mediterranean populations. In the United States, testing is conducted at birth.

Despite the serious complications associated with the disease, Dr. Ramdas said there are a variety of ways for patients with sickle cell anemia to cope with their condition.

"Using the prescription drug hydroxyurea or undergoing regular blood transfusions can help restore the presence of normal red blood cells and minimize the danger of severe complications," he said. "Medications such as antibiotics and pain relievers can also be used to lower the risk of infection or pain crises."

Most importantly, patients and their families must be educated on the disease, and they must make a sustained, dedicated effort to proactively combat any complications that may arise.

"By making a lifelong commitment to using the proper medications and undergoing appropriate treatments, patients with sickle cell anemia can learn to cope with their disease and live normal lives," said Dr. Ramdas.

About Geisinger Health System

Founded in 1915, Geisinger Health System (Danville, Pa.) is one of the nation's largest integrated health services organizations. Serving more than two million residents throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania, the physician-led organization is at the forefront of the country's rapidly emerging electronic health records movement. Geisinger is comprised of two medical center campuses, three hospitals, a 740-member group practice, a not-for-profit health insurance company and the Henry Hood Center for Health Research dedicated to creating innovative new models for patient care, satisfaction and clinical outcomes.

Source: Geisinger Health System