The best way for a Sickle Cell patient to cope with his disease is being under the care of a doctor that understands Sickle Cell Disease, and to eat healthy. All newborn babies detected with Sickle Cell Disease should be
placed on daily penicillin to prevent serious infections. All of the childhood immunizations should be given plus the pneumococcal vaccine. Parents should know how to check for a fever because this signals the need for a quick medical
checkup for serious infection. The following are general guidelines for a Sickle Cell patient to remain healthy:
-Take the vitamin folic acid (folate) daily to help make new red blood cells
-Take daily penicillin until age six to prevent serious infection
-Drinking plenty of water (8-10 glasses daily)
-Avoid extreme hot or cold temperatures
-Avoid over exertion and stress
-Get plenty of rest
-Get regular doctor check-ups
Are there any treatments? Yes. There are three new treatments for patients with Sickle Cell Anemia.
1. Hydroxyurea (Hydrea) prevents complications in Sickle Cell Disease. It reduces painful episodes, stays in the hospital, and the need for blood transfusions by 50%. The long-term benefits are unknown. This treatment is not recommended for children.
2. Blood transfusions are the best treatment for life threatening complications such as stroke, acute chest syndrome, and sequestration. They constant transfusions are necessary in preventing recurrent strokes. However, transfusions when hemoglobin levels are high can cause stroke.
3. Bone marrow transplants are considered in patients in great need such as young children with strokes. Bone marrow transplantation has been used to successfully convert 27 patients in the United States from abnormal hemoglobin to normal hemoglobin. Bone marrow transplantation is an experimental therapy with risk involved. Therefore, it is limited to patients with serious complications.
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