Sickle Cell Disease

Authors: Lisa Sabir, Roshan Cherian / Editors: Frances Balmer / Codes: / Published: 25/03/2024

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of hereditary haemoglobinopathies. Patients suffering from SCD presenting to the emergency department (ED) most commonly present due to complications such as painful crises and are at risk of life-threatening complications. It is important for the emergency team to promptly recognise and treat these patients.

In this learning session we will run through the pathophysiology that leads to the clinical manifestations of the disease and outline the assessment and management of these patients.

Learning objectives

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• Understand the pathophysiology leading to the symptoms the patient may present with
• Describe the key features of the assessment
• Describe the common sickle cell disease related complications
• Describe the emergency management of these patients

References

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