Authors: Jyotish Patel Graham R Serjeant
Publish Date: 2013/09/14
Volume: 81, Issue: 3, Pages: 229-230
Abstract
In homozygous sickle cell SS disease of African origin the greater understanding of the natural history of the disease has defined the early complications contributing to morbidity and mortality and allowed the development of appropriate interventions These have included pneumococcal prophylaxis 1 parental education in the early detection and treatment of acute splenic sequestration 2 awareness of parvovirus B19 and its role in the aplastic crisis 3 transcranial Doppler in the detection of children prone to strokes 4 and the need for close followup and monitoring of patients especially in early life These practices have improved the outcome of SS disease 5 and since significant mortality may occur as early as 10–12 wk after birth there is a strong argument for detection of the disease at or immediately after birth Sickle hemoglobin results from an abnormality of the beta chain synthesis of which is increasing rapidly at the time of birth and the resultant
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