Anemia Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle Cell Anemia Sickle cell is an inherited disorder in which red blood cells (RBCs) are abnormally shaped. This abnormality can result in painful episodes, serious infections, chronic anemia, and damage to body organs. Someone who inherits a sickle cell gene from each parent has hemoglobin SS disease, also called sickle cell anemia. Sickle cells have a shorter-than-normal life span, which leads to anemia (low RBC count). A normal red blood cell lives for about 120 days in circulation, whereas a sickle cell lives for only 10 to 20 days. http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/sickle_cell_anemia.html#

Because kids with sickle cell are at an increased risk of infection and other health complications, early diagnosis and treatment to prevent problems is important. Currently, more than 40 states require newborn screening programs for sickle cell disease. http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/sickle_cell_anemia.html

Signs & Symptoms Most kids with sickle cell disease have some degree of anemia and might develop one or more of the following conditions and symptoms as part of the disorder: Acute chest syndrome Aplastic crisis Hand-foot syndrome (also called dactylitis) Infection Painful crises Splenic sequestration crises Stroke Other possible complications include leg ulcers, bone or joint damage, gallstones, kidney damage, painful prolonged erections in males, eye damage, and delayed growth. http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/sickle_cell_anemia.html

Treatment Infection used to cause many deaths in infants and young children with sickle cell disease, but thanks to penicillin (or a similar antibiotic, amoxicillin) and appropriate immunizations, kids are much more likely to live longer, healthier lives. Although penicillin isn't a cure, it can help prevent life-threatening infections due to bacteria that cause serious infections in the blood, meningitis, and pneumonia. http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/sickle_cell_anemia.html

As EC Professionals… We have to be aware that children with the condition are in and out the hospital on a frequent basis. Once we are aware of this we will be able to make sure that they get all the information needed while in class. We have to ensure that their learning is as productive as possible.