PRESENTATION OUTLINE
What is sickle cell
Abnormal hemoglobin cause RBCs to change to a sickle crescent shape
RBCs get's stuck in capillaries. Sickle red blood cells live only 10-20 days instead of the normal 120 days.
Sickle cell disease is most common in who
African-Americans. It is also found in other ethnic and racial groups, including people from South and Central America, the Caribbean, Mediterranean countries, and India.
What causes sickle cell
caused by a genetic abnormality in the gene for hemoglobin, which results in the production of sickle hemoglobin. When oxygen is released from sickle hemoglobin, it sticks together and forms long rods, which damage and change the shape of the red blood cell.
Common triggers S/S
Dehydration and infection are common triggers for sickle cell crisis
Symptoms of sickle cell crisis Severe pain
Chest pain and difficulty breathing. Strokes
Joint pain and arthritis and bone infarctions
Blockage of blood flow in the spleen or liver
Severe infections numbness in the hands or legs
Treatment
There is no cure for sickle cell
Antibiotics to treat infections
Pain medications
