Crises dolorosas na doença falciforme

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most prevalent genetic disease in the world. In Brazil it occurs in one in every 1200 births. This high prevalence makes SCD a very important public health problem in Brazil. Vaso-occlusion and hemolysis are the hallmarks of the disease. Vaso-occlusion results in painful episodes which are the main cause of hospitalization among adults with SCD. Some patients experience episodes as often as 6 times per year. Persistent, severe sickle cell pain is a poor prognostic sign and a predictor for early death. The management of vaso-occlusion episodes is discussed here, as well as the related complications.