An Analysis of Federal Sickle Cell Disease Program FY 1971 - FY 1976 Page: 4
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Persons with sickle cell anemia are often poorly developed, and have a short trunk
with long arms and legs. In severe cases, the patient may experience weakness,
headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and spots before the eyes. Nausea and
vomiting may be present during a crisis or during periods of severe stress. But
the most outstanding symptom of this disease is the pain. This pain is generally
most acute in the bones, large joints, the back, and in the abdomen.. Severe abdominal
pain accompanied by fever may at first appear to be an attack of appendicitis. Vessel
blockage in the chest and in the lungs may result in severe chest pains and difficult
breathing which also might be diagnosed as another disorder. Strokes and blindness
could result from involvement of the vessels of the brain and the oye. Sickle
cell anemia has been described as the "great imitator" because of the mauy symptoms
which are associated with the disease - symptoms which account for a great deal of
misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis.
Screening for sickle cell disease is not a difficult process sad is often advised for
anyone who is suspected of being susceptible. Those found to have the anemia are
placed under continual medical supervision where their prognosis can be significantly
improved. Those found to carry the sickle cell trait might be advised of diet and
prevention of infection, and genetic counseling might be suggested in order to inform
parents of potential sickle cell anemia in their children.
Presently, there is neither effective treatment nor oure for this disease, nor
can it be prenatally diagnosed, but medical treatment can be an aid to people afflicted
by sickle cell disease. Treatment for the disease is mainly of a supportive nature,
since research has yet to discover an effective means to completely control the
symptoms.- During crises, drugs' are used to ease the pain and fluids are administered
to counter dehydration. Oxygen and blood transfusions are occasionally administered,
but only if absolutely necessary. Analgesics and sedatives are employed for symptomatic
relief, and a variety of medications have been introduced, including: corticotropin,
adrenal and gonadal steroids, intravenous sodium bicarbonate, anticoagulants, carbon
monoxide inhalation, acetasolamide, infusion of low molecular dextran phenothiazine,
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Chapman, Cynthia B. An Analysis of Federal Sickle Cell Disease Program FY 1971 - FY 1976, report, April 11, 1975; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc992938/m1/6/: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.