WEEK 9 : Sickle Cell Disease

WEEK 9 : Sickle Cell Disease

Hence the name, Sickle Cell Disease causes hemoglobin cells to change from a smooth and malleable disc shape into a rigid sickle shape (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2016). This genetic disorder results in a lifetime of anemia and severe painful episodes. hypoxia and/or death of tissue and vital organs. Known as a genetic disorder, SCD affects mainly minority populations such as African Americans, Hispanics, and Middle Easterns.

Therapeutic Management

Pharmacotherapeutics are based on the presenting symptoms of the Sickle Cell disease patient. Symptoms can include pain in chest, extremities, back, and other parts of the body.  NSAIDs are used for mild episodes as long as they are not contraindicated. Medications for severe pain are individually based but usually include opioids as first line treatment. Additional supportive interventions such as proper oxygenation, hydration, and maintenance of temperature are necessary. Acute SCD crises are easily exacerbated by stress and introductions of infections in the body. Cultures should be promptly collected to effectively target and treat the offending organism. SC crises may also be treated with a blood transfusion that essentially decreases the percentage of HbS and reducing SCD symptoms (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2014). The first new drugs for SCD in 20 years, Endari (L-glutamine oral powder), has been shown to decrease exacerbation’s as well (U. S. Food and Drug Administration, 2017).NURS 6521 Advanced Pharmacology Discussion

Factor: Behavior

Many patients can model behavior that has been proven to decrease the number of exasperation’s. Behaviors such as staying properly hydrated, maintaining normal temperatures, and avoiding areas with low oxygen as well as those in high altitudes have shown to help SCD patients (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). Proper health maintenance such as a balanced diet, taking vitamins, not smoking or drinking alcohol, and being up to date on vaccinations can also help decrease symptoms of SCD

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Sickle Cell Disease. Retrieved from

            https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/treatments.html

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2014). Evidenced-based management of sickle cell disease: Expert panel report 2014. Retrieved from

            https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-pro/guidelines/sickle-cell-disease-guidelines

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2016). What is sickle cell disease. Retrieved from    https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sca

U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2017). FDA approves new treatment for sickle celldisease. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm566084.htm

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2017). Sickle cell disease. Retrieved from     https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/sickle-cell-disease#diagnosis