Treatment FAQ

what is an appropriate treatment for sickle cell disease?

by Casper Hettinger II Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Stem cell or bone marrow transplants
bone marrow transplants
Stem cell transplants are used to treat conditions in which the bone marrow is damaged and is no longer able to produce healthy blood cells. Transplants can also be carried out to replace blood cells that are damaged or destroyed as a result of intensive cancer treatment.
https://www.nhs.uk › conditions › stem-cell-transplant
are the only cure for sickle cell disease, but they're not done very often because of the significant risks involved. Stem cells are special cells produced by bone marrow, a spongy tissue found in the centre of some bones.

Medication

These agents have the potential to improve survival and quality of life for individuals with sickle cell disease. Also discussed is stem cell transplantation that, to date, is the only curative approach for this disease, as well as the current status of gene therapy.

Procedures

Anaemia caused by sickle cell disease isn't the same as the more common iron deficiency anaemia. Don't take iron supplements to treat it without seeking medical advice as they could be dangerous. If anaemia is particularly severe or persistent, treatment with blood transfusions or hydroxycarbamide may be necessary.

Therapy

The NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme has a helpful parents' guide to managing sickle cell disease (PDF, 3.57Mb).

Self-care

The Management of Sickle Cell Disease. From the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), 2014. The practice guidelines best supported by scientific evidence are: Penicillin prophylaxis prevents pneumococcal sepsis in children.

Nutrition

What is the best treatment for sickle cell disease?

How is anaemia caused by sickle cell disease (SCD) treated?

Is there a Parents'Guide to managing sickle cell disease?

What are the NHLBI guidelines for the management of sickle cell disease?

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What is the new treatment for sickle cell anemia?

Action. FDA has granted accelerated approval for Oxbryta (voxelotor) tablets to treat sickle cell disease in pediatric patients aged four up to 11 years. FDA had previously granted accelerated approval for Oxbryta for patients aged 12 years and older with sickle cell disease.

What is the mainstay of treatment in sickle cell syndromes?

Since publication of its landmark trial in 1995, hydroxyurea continues to represent a mainstay of disease-modifying therapy for SCD. Hydroxyurea induces fetal hemoglobin production through stress erythropoiesis, reduces inflammation, increases nitric oxide and decreases cell adhesion.

Is blood transfusion a treatment for sickle cell disease?

The mainstay of treatment of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) remains blood transfusion or hydroxyurea therapy. The use of blood transfusion in patients with SCD for the treatment of acute complications and as chronic long-term disease-modifying therapy is increasing over time, with total blood use increasing.

How do you treat a child with sickle cell anemia?

To help your child manage sickle cell disease:Go to all doctor's visits and share any concerns or new symptoms.Make sure your child takes all prescribed medicines.Follow up with any recommended specialists to check for complications.Help your child avoid pain crisis triggers, such as extreme temperatures or stress.More items...

Diagnosis

Treatment

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Coping and Support

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rakshith Bharadwaj
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatments, such as medications and blood transfusion, aim at managing the symptoms and preventing crises.
Medication

Analgesics: To reduce pain during crises.

Ibuprofen


Antimetabolite: Reduces episodes of pain; it is also said to stimulate production of normal hemoglobin.

Hydroxyurea


Amino acid: Reduces acute complications of the disease.

L-glutamine

Procedures

Bone marrow transplantation: Also known as stem cell transplant, the therapy involves introducing healthy bone marrow stem cells from a donor.

Therapy

Intravenous therapy:Rehydration with intravenous fluids.

Oxygen therapy:Given through a mask to improve breathing.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Use hot pads to relieve pain.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Get the child vaccinated as per the doctor’s recommendations.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Foods rich in folic acid: e.g. green leafy vegetables, legumes, orange juice, and fortified cereals.
  • Foods rich in calcium: e.g. low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, and cheese, leafy green vegetables and calcium-fortified Foods such as soymilk, orange juice, and tofu.

Foods to avoid:

  • NA

Specialist to consult

Hematologist
Specializes in the study of the blood and blood disorders.

Preparing For Your Appointment

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