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.