COMPLICATIONS OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE

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•  Risk of developing recurrent  chest infection caused by encapsulated organisms such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.

•  Avascular necrosis (aseptic bone necrosis) of  the hip may occur as a result of ischemia.

•  Priapism  and infarction of the penis.

•  Osteomyelitis (bacterial bone infection) in individuals with sickle-cell disease is most frequently caused by Salmonella, whereas Staphylococcus is the most common causative organism  in the general population.

•  Autosplenectomy, because of its narrow vessels and function in clearing defective red blood cells, the spleen is  frequently affected.

•   It is usually infracted before the end of  childhood in individuals suffering from  sicklecell anaemia. •  The severity of anaemia may induce high  output failure, cardiomegaly, and flow murmurs.

 •  Retinopathy, secondary to sequestration of blood  in the conjunctival vessels, is marked by dilated and tortuous retinal vessels, microaneurysms, and retinal haemorrhage.

•  Cholelithiasis, particularly in patients older than 6 years, can occur due to chronic haemolysis.

•  Irreversible renal damage may progress to  renal failure requiring transplantation.

•  Haematuria due to sickling in the vas recta or renal papillary necrosis is common.

 Patient Education

•  Patient's  families should have genetic counselling  and education regarding clinical manifestations associated with the disorder and its complications.

 •  Reinforcement should occur incrementally during the course of ongoing care.  

•  Families should be educated on the importance of  hydration, diet, outpatient medications, and immunization protocol.

 •  Patients should be instructed on proper splenic palpation and observation of pallor, jaundice, and fever. 

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