Management of Acute Complications of Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited autosomal recessive disorders that affect hemoglobin structure. The presence of this mutated form of hemoglobin, hemoglobin S, results in the abnormally ("sickle") shaped cells. These sickle-shaped red blood cells lead to the disruption of blood flow in small vessels and result in a myriad of complications. Pain, excruciating and unpredictable, is the hallmark of the disease. In addition, many organs are affected, including but not limited to brain, kidneys, bones, and lungs. This leads to varied acute and chronic complications for patients with SCD. Here, we review some of the acute complications of SCD with focus on diagnosis and management.