[Management of children with sickle-cell disease]

Abstract

The management of children with sickle-cell disease in specialized centres may take place either during the intercritical phase of the disease or in the period of vaso-occlusive phenomena and acute complications. Without any doubt, a regular follow-up of these children, starting immediately after the diagnosis is made, improves the prognosis. Repeated visits enable the physician to inform the family and thereafter the child on the disease, its consequences and its transmission and to implement such prophylactic measures as preventive antibiotic therapy, specific immunizations and advice on hydration. As years go by, this monitoring is modified according to the patient's age, the course of the disease and the age-related complications. Acute accidents are frequent and often difficult to diagnose. In the immediate and well-adjusted management they require rehydration, rest, analgesics and antibiotics play a major role. The purpose of management is to avoid most complications and raise the child to adulthood in the best possible conditions.