Sickle Cell Disease and Pain
Hydroxyurea is the only FDA-approved medication that prevents painful episodes in sickle cell disease. Studies of patients with sickle cell disease show that the regular use of hydroxyurea decreases the frequency and severity of sickle cell crises and reduces the number of blood transfusions and hospitalizations.
Stem cell transplant is the only curative treatment for sickle cell disease. More than 200 patients with sickle cell disease have undergone stem cell transplants from a matched sibling donor. Stem cell transplant has a 5%-10% risk of death, but patients with successful transplants were completely cured of sickle cell disease, with no further episodes of pain.
Stem cell transplant is performed in young patients with severe sickle cell disease who have a matched sibling donor. Stem cell transplant using umbilical cord blood from a related donor has also been curative in a small number of patients.
Scientists are making progress in the development of new medications that prevent sickling of red blood cells and improve blood flow and delivery of oxygen to the body. Some of these new treatments are already being tested in patients with sickle cell disease.
People who have sickle cell disease have a reduced life expectancy. But because of improvements in treatment, people with sickle cell disease now live longer and have a better quality of life. In 1973, the average life span was 14, but people with sickle cell disease now live into their 40s and 50s, and in some cases, beyond the age of 60. Long-term treatment with hydroxyurea may prolong survival.
Pain Management: Sickle Cell Disease
In this article
- What Causes Sickle Cell Disease?
- What Are the Symptoms of Sickle Cell Crisis?
- How Is Sickle Cell Disease Diagnosed?
- How Is Sickle Cell Disease Treated?
- What Is the Outlook for People With Sickle Cell Disease?
How Is Sickle Cell Disease Treated? continued...
Hydroxyurea is the only FDA-approved medication that prevents painful episodes in sickle cell disease. Studies of patients with sickle cell disease show that the regular use of hydroxyurea decreases the frequency and severity of sickle cell crises and reduces the number of blood transfusions and hospitalizations.
Stem cell transplant is the only curative treatment for sickle cell disease. More than 200 patients with sickle cell disease have undergone stem cell transplants from a matched sibling donor. Stem cell transplant has a 5%-10% risk of death, but patients with successful transplants were completely cured of sickle cell disease, with no further episodes of pain.
Stem cell transplant is performed in young patients with severe sickle cell disease who have a matched sibling donor. Stem cell transplant using umbilical cord blood from a related donor has also been curative in a small number of patients.
Scientists are making progress in the development of new medications that prevent sickling of red blood cells and improve blood flow and delivery of oxygen to the body. Some of these new treatments are already being tested in patients with sickle cell disease.
What Is the Outlook for People With Sickle Cell Disease?
People who have sickle cell disease have a reduced life expectancy. But because of improvements in treatment, people with sickle cell disease now live longer and have a better quality of life. In 1973, the average life span was 14, but people with sickle cell disease now live into their 40s and 50s, and in some cases, beyond the age of 60. Long-term treatment with hydroxyurea may prolong survival.
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