Sickle cell disease: current clinical management.

The phenotypic expression of sickle cell disease (SCD) varies greatly among patients and longitudinally in the same patient. The phenotype influences all aspects of the life of affected individuals including social interactions, intimate relationships, family relations, education, employment, and spirituality. The clinical, manifestations of SCD are protean and fall into three major categories: (1) anemia and its sequelae; (2) pain and related issues; and (3) end-organ failure including infection. This review will emphasize the pathophysiology and management of sickle cell pain, as well as organ failure and its management. Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.