Description
Occurs in patient with sickle cell disease when sickled red blood cells clog blood vessels. Sickle cell disease is the most common of the inherited blood disorders. A sickle cell crisis causes pain because blood vessels become blocked and the defective red blood cells can damage organs in the body. The most commonly affected organs include: lungs, liver, bone, muscles, brain, spleen, penis, eyes, and kidneys.
Symptoms
Chest pain, breathing problems, weakness, seizures, confusion, weak pulse, abdominal pain, coma.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests to detect the severity of the anemia and the ability to produce red blood cells will be performed. Other tests to identify the damage done by the sickle cell crisis will be done.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Lipase, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Reticulocyte count
Specialists:
Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests to detect the severity of the anemia and the ability to produce red blood cells will be performed. Other tests to identify the damage done by the sickle cell crisis will be done.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Lipase, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Reticulocyte count
Specialists:
Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
Treatment
Treatment includes: intravenous fluids, supplemental oxygen, pain medications, antibiotics (if infection is found), and/or blood transfusions.