The treatment methods of sickle cell anemia

 

 Paulius Bajerčius1

1Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania

Abstract

Sickle cell disease is a group of genetic disorders where a mutation in the affected person‘s hemoglobin formation occurs resulting in a sickle-like deformation of erythrocytes. Having two copies of the abnormal allele results in sickle cell anemia. The disease can cause numerous local and systemic complications as well as a generally reduced life expectancy. Due to the origin of the disease and the large number of possible symptoms and complications, treatment and management is lifelong, difficult, and consists of a wide variety of different methods. These methods can be categorized according to the focus of treatment, such as a complication, a symptom, preventative treatment, or an aim to cure the disease as a whole.

Keywords: Sickle cell anemia, complications, treatment.