There are no treatments to cure sickle cell disease. Instead, treatment is aimed at managing the various symptoms in an effort to minimize complications. The goals of treatment include:
- Managing acute crisis episodes
- Managing chronic pain
- Managing anemia
- Preventing and treating infections
- Managing complications and organ damage
Treatment involves the following:
References:
Cecil Textbook of Medicine . 22nd ed. W.B. Saunders Company; 2003.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institutewebsite. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ .
Sickle Cell Disease Association of Americawebsite. Available at: http://www.sicklecelldisease.org/ .
Last reviewed February 2007 by Mark A. Best, MD, MPH, MBA
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
