Sickle Cell Disease

Question 1

How to differentiate aplastic crisis from hyperhemolysis

Answer 1

• low retic count for aplastic crisis

- high retic count for hyperhemolysis

Question 2

Sickle cell pain crisis vs appendicitis

Answer 2

-high LDH supports pain crisis

Question 3

Sickle cell treatment

Answer 3

• vaccinate all patients to pneumococcal, meningococcal, H flu, hep B, flu
• hydroxyurea is beneficial for patients with more than 2 pain crises per year or for those with ACS
• exchange transfusion is indicated for acute stroke, fat embolism, or ACS
• hydroxyurea contraindicated in pregnancy and kidney failure

Question 4

Clinical findings in sickle cell dz

Answer 4

-elevated retic count, plts, leukocyte count