Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment

Bone marrow transplant is the only potential cure for sickle cell anemia. This procedure is not commonly performed due to the risks associated with the procedure, and the difficulty in finding a suitable donor.

Treatment for the acute symptoms of sickle cell anemia is largely supportive and includes plenty of oral fluids, vitamin supplements, and hydroxyurea. Treatment for severe symptoms of sickle cell anemia requires intravenous fluids, narcotic pain medications, and antibiotics.

Treatment for sickle cell anemia includes:

Plenty of liquids:

Adequate hydration can help lessen the unpleasant symptoms

Vitamin B supplements
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain

Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Ibuprin, Nuprin)
Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn)
Ketoprofen (Oruvail, Orudis, Actron)

Antibiotic prophylaxis for sickle cell anemia:

To prevent infections

Hydroxyurea for sickle cell anemia:

Taken daily can reduce the frequency of painful crises
May help to reduce the need for blood transfusions
Interferes with the sickling process

Antibiotics:

Penicillin may be taken up to the age of 5 to prevent infections

Erythrocytapheresis:

Abnormal red blood cells are removed form the bloodstream and replaced by normal red blood cells.

Bone marrow transplant for sickle cell anemia:

New cells in the bone marrow produce normal red blood cells

Medications that remove excess iron form the body, caused by frequent blood transfusions:

Deferoxamine mesylate (Desferal mesylate)
Deferasirox (Exjade tablets)
Deferiprone (Ferriprox)

Vaccinations:

Gene therapy for sickle cell anemia:

An experimental treatment that involves introducing genetic material (DNA or RNA) into a person's cells to fight disease.

Other experimental therapies:

Nitric oxide
Drugs to boost fetal hemoglobin production

Treatment for a painful crisis in those with sickle cell anemia may include:

Intravenous fluids
Oxygen therapy:

May help symptoms of acute chest syndrome

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain

Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Ibuprin, Nuprin)
Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn)
Ketoprofen (Oruvail, Orudis, Actron)

Narcotic pain medication:

For moderate to severe pain
For short term use only

Blood transfusion for sickle cell anemia
Antibiotics

Sickle Cell Anemia Questions For Doctor

The following are some important questions to ask before and after the treatment of sickle cell anemia.

Questions to ask before treatment:

What are my treatment options?
What are the risks associated with treatment?
Do I need to stay in the hospital?

How long will I be in the hospital?

What are the complications I should watch for?
How long will I be on medication?
What are the potential side effects of my medication?
Does my medication interact with nonprescription medicines or supplements?
Should I take my medication with food?

Questions to ask after treatment:

Do I need to change my diet?
When can I resume my normal activities?
When can I return to work?
Do I need a special exercise program?
How often will I need to see my doctor for checkups?
Will my children have sickle cell anemia?
What local support and other resources are available?

Sickle Cell Anemia Specialist

Physicians from the following specialties evaluate and treat sickle cell anemia:

Hematology
Pediatrics

Continue to Sickle Cell Anemia Home Care

Last Updated: Jun 14, 2011 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
Copyright DSHI Systems, Inc. Powered by: FreeMD - Your Virtual Doctor

PubMed Sickle Cell Anemia References

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Johnson L. Managing acute and chronic pain in sickle cell disease. Nurs Times. 2005 Feb 22-28;101(8):40-3. [15754942]
Miller JA, Hinrichs CR. Sickle cell crisis in the adult: chest radiographic findings and comparison with pediatric sickle cell disease. J Natl Med Assoc. 2001 Feb;93(2):58-63. [12653383]
Silbergleit R, Jancis MO, McNamara RM. Management of sickle cell pain crisis in the emergency department at teaching hospitals. J Emerg Med. 1999 Jul-Aug;17(4):625-30. [10431951]
Yale SH, Nagib N, Guthrie T. Approach to the vaso-occlusive crisis in adults with sickle cell disease. Am Fam Physician. 2000 Mar 1;61(5):1349-56, 1363-4. [10735342]