Question
My child has had sickle cell disease for a long time, and this condition has been ongoing. I hope the doctor can help me. How should sickle cell disease be treated?
Answer
The treatment for sickle cell disease primarily involves several aspects: (1) Blood Transfusion: This condition is an acute hemolytic disease with severe anemia, and blood transfusion or administration of concentrated red blood cells is the most effective treatment measure. Severe cases may require repeated transfusions. However, it is essential to conduct a rapid glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase screening test on the blood source to avoid transfusing blood from individuals with a deficiency in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, which could lead to secondary hemolysis in the patient. If sickle cell disease is complicated by infection, it can exacerbate hemolysis; symptoms such as high fever, hypoxia, and increased heart rate can lead to heart failure, so it is important to actively manage complications. Avoid using medications that may harm the kidneys.