Sickle cell disease
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited red blood cell disorder in which there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body.
Unlike the normal, flexible, and round red blood cells, in someone who has SCD, the red blood cells are shaped like sickles or crescent moons. These rigid, sticky cells can get stuck in small blood vessels, which can slow or block blood flow and oxygen to parts of the body.
SCD is a genetic condition that is present at birth and inherited when a child receives two sickle cell genes—one from each parent.
Signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia usually appear around 5 months of age. They vary from person to person over time. Some people have mild symptoms, while others are frequently hospitalized for more serious complications. We can list the following symptoms:
· Anemia.
· Episodes of pain.
· Swelling of hands and feet.
· Frequent infections.
· Delayed growth or puberty.
· Vision problems.
Treatment for SCD:
There is no standard treatment for all people with SCD. However, there are treatments that help people manage and live with this disease. Treatment options are different for each person depending on the symptoms. For example:
· Pain medications
· Blood transfusions.
· Vaccinations and antibiotics.
· Folic acid.
· Hydroxyurea. (medication helps reduce the frequency of pain crises and acute chest syndrome)
· Regular eye exams.
· Bone marrow transplant.
· Healthy diet
According to the CDC, in the U.S., approximately 70,000 to 100,000 Americans have sickle cell disease. Therefore, in many states, the law requires newborn babies to be tested for sickle cell disease, regardless of their ethnic background. The testing is done right away so that children born with sickle cell disease can receive treatment to protect them against life-threatening infections.
The traditional vein finding techniques may be harmful to new children because they have smaller veins, increased subcutaneous fat and their skin is more elastic than that of adults. In such circumstances, the best way to facilitate this whole procedure and make it safer is to use a vein visualizer. In fact, The Portable Infrared Vein finders SIFVEIN-5.0 has a child mode; specifically designed for kids and newborns, which allows the area of the projection to be reduced in size and be more precise. Thus, minimizing stick attempts and reducing bidirectional pain caused by the injection’s problems.
Another way for diagnosing this disease is Hemoglobin electrophoresis which is a blood test that can determine if a person is a carrier of sickle cell or has any of the diseases associated with the sickle cell gene. By using a vein finder SIFVEIN-5.0 doctors and nurses can not only see the blood vessels of 8 mm under the patients’ but also customize the image color (7 different colors) and brightness depending on the light of the room and the patient’s skin tone so that the vein becomes more visible and easier to access. As a result, banning any possible fail diagnosis and preventing discomfort, stress, pain, and other unwanted reactions.
Early diagnosis and prevention of complications are critical in sickle cell disease treatment whether for children or adults. By using a vein finder, the venipuncture would be easier and Phlebotomists, nurses or doctors can assure the procedure’s safety and efficacy.
Ref :1 – Sickle Cell Disease
Disclaimer: Although the information we provide is used by different doctors and medical staff to perform their procedures and clinical applications, the information contained in this article is for consideration only. SIFSOF is not responsible neither for the misuse of the device nor for the wrong or random generalizability of the device in all clinical applications or procedures mentioned in our articles. Users must have the proper training and skills to perform the procedure with each vein finder device.
The products mentioned in this article are only for sale to medical staff (doctors, nurses, certified practitioners, etc.) or to private users assisted by or under the supervision of a medical professional.
