[Guidelines for management of adult sickle cell disease]

Rev Med Interne. 2009 Sep:30 Suppl 3:S162-223. doi: 10.1016/j.revmed.2009.07.001. Epub 2009 Aug 26.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Sickle cell disease is a systemic disease that can potentially involve all organs. As the prevalence of patients with sickle cell disease increases gradually in France, every physician can be potentially involved in the care of these patients. Complications of sickle cell disease can be acute or chronic. Pain is the main symptom and should be treated quickly and aggressively. Acute chest syndrome is the leading cause of acute death and must be prevented, detected, and treated without delay. Chronic complications are one of the main concerns in adults and should be identified as early as possible in order to prevent sequels. Many organs can be involved, including the bones, kidneys, eyes, lungs... The indications for a specific treatment (blood transfusion or hydroxyurea) should be discussed. Health care should be carefully organized to allow both a regular follow-up near the living place and access to specialized departments. We present in this article the French guidelines for the sickle cell disease management in adulthood.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / complications
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / therapy*
  • Humans