Sickle cell disease in North Europe

Abstract

The numbers of patients with sickle cell disease in Northern Europe are steadily increasing due to migration, leading to a need for improved healthcare services for these patients. We outline the role of neonatal and antenatal screening programmes in the diagnosis of sickle cell disease, clinical aspects of care and the therapeutic options available. The clinical areas discussed in detail are pain management, the management of stroke and other neurological complications and the management of pulmonary and splenic complications. The role of hydroxyurea, blood transfusion and bone marrow transplantation are also discussed.