#Spleen is usually infarcted before the end of childhood in SCD individuals. Because of its narrow vessels and function in clearing defective red blood cells, the spleen is frequently affected (Anie and Green, 2012). Splenic sequestration crisis # Acute, painful enlargements of the spleen, caused by intrasplenic trapping of red cells # Leads to a precipitous fall in Hb levels and potential hypovolemic shock. Incentive spirometry, a technique to encourage deep breathing to minimise the development of atelectasis, is recommended (Glassberg, 2011). #Vaso-occlusive crisis involving organs such as the penis (Olujohungbe, 2013) or lungs are considered an emergency and treated with red-blood cell transfusions. For more severe crises, most patients require inpatient management for intravenous opioids patient-controlled analgesia devices are commonly used in this setting. For milder crises, a subgroup of patients manage on NSAIDs (such as diclofenac or naproxen). #Painful crises are Treated with hydration, analgesics, and blood transfusion pain management requires opioid administration at regular intervals until the crisis has settled.
The frequency, severity, and duration of these crises vary considerably. Vaso-occlusive crisis #Leads to ischaemia, pain, necrosis, and often organ damage. #However,in most instances, no predisposing cause is identified (Kumar et al. # Infection, dehydration, and acidosiscan act as triggers.
#Most episodes of sickle-cell crises last between five and seven days (Best bets, 2010). # vaso-occlusive crisis, aplastic crisis, sequestration crisis, haemolytic crisis, and others. Sickle-cell crisis # Several independent acute conditions occurring in patients with SCD. What are the symptoms of sickle cell disease? # Anaemia # Splenomegaly #Loss of immune function # Episodes of vascular/bone pain #Jaundice # Delayed(stunted) growth Reduced life expectancy # Associated with a number of acute and chronic health problems, such as severe infections, attacks of severe pain ("sickle-cell crisis"), and stroke, and increased risk of death (Yawn et al., 2014). # Results from a Point Mutation leading to a propensity for the cells to assume an abnormal, rigid, sickle-like shape under conditions of hypoxia. # It is a hereditary blood disorder, characterized by an abnormality in the haemoglobin molecule of erythrocytes. # Also identified as ABIKU, OGBANJE and SANKARA MIJI, by the Yoruba, Ibo and Hausa-Fulani tribes of Nigeria (Amehet al., 2011, 2012). WHAT IS SICKLE CELL HAEMOGLOBINOPATHY Sickle cell haemoglobinopathy is also known as sickle-cell disease (SCD), or sickle-cell anaemia (SCA) or sometimes drepanocytosis.
KEY POINTS TO BE ADDRESSED*What is Sickle Cell DISEASE (SCD OR SCH)?*How is SCH inherited?*What are the symptoms and complications of Sickle Cell Haemoglobinopathy?*Possible triggers of the Sickling phenomenon*What are the available classical approaches for the management of SCH? *Is there any cure for SCH?*The natural alternatives to SCH management.* Which way forward? MANAGING SICKLE CELL DISEASE THE NATURAL ALTERNATIVESA RESEARCH LECTURE PRESENTED BY PROFESSOR AUGUSTINE AMADIKWA UWAKWE