Risk Factors & Signs & Symptoms

Risk Factors

Genetic carriers

African/Afro-Caribbean descent

Triggers: infection, stress, exercise, pregnancy, dehydration, allergies

Signs & Symptoms

Acute:

• Vaso-occlusive crisis (acute painful crisis): limbs, back
• Jaundice
• Increased heart rate
• Pallor
• Abdominal complications
• Acute chest syndrome = acute lung injury
• Priapism
• AKI
• Sepsis = Most are especially susceptible to Pneumococcal disease
• Multi-organ failure

Chronic:

• Hepatobiliary issues
• Chronic anaemia
• Gallstones
• Leg ulcers
• Respiratory: chronic sickle lung, OSA, pulmonary hypertension
• Retinopathy
• Cognitive impairment
• Growth/nutrition issues in children