Sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary red blood cell illness characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body.

Rather from being normal, flexible, and round, red blood cells in people with SCD are shaped like sickles or crescent moons. These stiff, sticky cells can become lodged in tiny blood veins, slowing or blocking blood flow and oxygen delivery to various regions 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.

Traditional vein-finding procedures may be detrimental to new children because they have smaller veins, more subcutaneous fat, and more stretchy skin than adults. In such cases, using a vein visualizer is the ideal method to make the entire operation easier and safer. In fact, the Portable Infrared Vein Finder SIFVEIN-5.0 offers a child mode; particularly created for children and babies, this mode allows the area of the projection to be decreased in size and more precise. As a result, stick attempts are reduced, and bidirectional discomfort caused by injection issues is reduced.

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a blood test that can establish if a person is a carrier of sickle cell disease or has any of the disorders linked with the sickle cell gene. Doctors and nurses can use a vein finder SIFVEIN-5.0 to not only see the blood vessels of 8 mm under the patients’ skin, but also customize the image color (7 different colors) and brightness depending on the light of the room and the patient’s skin tone, making the vein more visible and easier to access. As a result, any potential misdiagnosis is eliminated, as is discomfort, tension, suffering, and other undesirable responses.

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 : Sickle Cell Disease,  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. SIFVEINFINDER 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.