Sickle Cell Anemia

How is sickle cell disease detected and diagnosed?

Because sickle cell disease and sickle cell anemia are genetic conditions passed down from parent to child, most babies are tested at birth using a simple blood test. Other babies may be diagnosed while in the womb using certain genetic tests by taking a sample of the placenta (chorionic villus sampling) or amniotic fluid (amniocentesis). Older children and adults can also undergo the blood test, which screens for sickle cells.

If you are diagnosed with sickle cell disease, you may be referred to one of our board-certified genetic counselors who can help you and your family understand the benefits and drawbacks of genetic testing.

Learn More About Genetic Testing

How is sickle cell disease treated and managed?

For many people, sickle cell disease is a lifelong disorder. However, we've made tremendous advances in care for patients living with SCD over the past decade, helping to prevent complications and improve their quality of life.

Medications

Many patients with sickle cell disease undergo treatment designed to minimize pain episodes, alleviate symptoms, and prevent serious health problems. There are several FDA-approved medications that may reduce how often someone with SCD experiences a pain crisis, such as hydroxyurea, L-glutamine, Crizanlizumab, and others. Other medications may also help to lower the risk of anemia by improving blood flow throughout the body.

Preventing infection with vaccinations and antibiotics

Most babies diagnosed at birth will receive antibiotics, such as penicillin, up until at least the age of five. This can help to prevent life-threatening infections, such as pneumonia. Adults may also benefit from taking penicillin in various instances, such as if they've undergone surgery to remove the spleen (an organ that stores red blood cells).

In addition, staying up-to-date with vaccinations is essential to preventing disease and infection-related complications in both children and adults with sickle cell anemia.

Blood transfusions

Some people with sickle cell disease may undergo blood transfusions which can help treat severe anemia, prevent stroke, and improve chronic pain. During a blood transfusion, an individual's red blood cells are replaced with donor red blood cells. Because transfusions can lead to other serious side effects, it's important to seek care from an experienced team of blood doctors who will closely monitor the body's response and minimize the risk of iron overload.

Bone marrow or stem cell transplants

Currently, bone marrow or stem cell transplantation is the only potentially curative treatment option. This involves replacing bone marrow affected by abnormal hemoglobin with healthy bone marrow from a donor. Because it can be difficult to find a donor match for every patient and it comes with significant risks, transplantation may not be an option for everyone. If your doctor thinks you are a candidate, they will discuss the advantages and disadvantages so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.

Lifestyle habits

While you may not be able to prevent sickle cell disease symptoms, the following behaviors can help to reduce the frequency of pain crises and minimize other health complications:

• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid extreme temperatures
• Avoid high altitudes
• Take precautions against harmful infections, such as practicing frequent hand-washing
• Get yearly vision exams to screen for any retina damage

If you or your child has sickle cell disease, you need a comprehensive team of specialists who understand the challenges you face and can help address the full range of complications associated with the condition. At MedStar Health, your care involves input from several specialists who can help determine what will be most effective in managing your unique case, with advanced treatment options backed by the latest research.

Here you'll find:

• A team approach to care: Our world-class hematologists (blood doctors) work closely with several other specialists to ensure you receive comprehensive care. Your treatment team may also include pain management specialists, neurologists, psychologists, social workers, and others who can help you live a full, healthy life.
• Expertise in pediatric hematology: Through our specialized pediatric, adolescent, and young adult hematology program designed for birth through age 39, we're helping even the youngest patients thrive while living with blood disorders.
• State-of-the-art treatment options: In addition to a full range of emerging FDA-approved medications, we also offer the latest in blood transfusions and stem cell transplants, which can help to improve your quality of life or potentially even offer hope for a cure.
• Holistic support for patients and families: Living with SCD can be difficult for both patients and their loved ones, which is why we offer a variety of integrative medicine services and supportive care for coping and navigating life with a hematologic diagnosis.