Emergent Issues in Sickle Cell Disease

We review myths and reality in the management of patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) 

• Are these patients typically opioid seeking? (No)
• If the patient appears comfortable I should withhold proper analgesia. (No).
• Should IV fluids be a routine part of the cocktail for vaso-occlusive pain episodes? (No)

We also review common emergencies in sickle cell disease that include

• Infections
• Acute chest syndrome
• Anemia (Aplastic crisis, splenic sequestration)
• Ischemia
  • Strokes
  • Avascular necrosis
  • Renal, pulmonary, splenic infarctions
• Vaso-occlusive pain episodes

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust