Sickle cell disease/anemia complications

The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is recommended for use in all adults 65 years of age or older and adults less than 65 years who have medical comorbidities that increase the risk for serious complications from S. pneumoniae infection, such as chronic pulmonary disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic liver disease, chronic renal failure, functional or anatomic asplenia, and immunosuppressive disorders. Alaskan natives and certain Native American populations are also at increased risk. Children over the age of 2 years may be vaccinated with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine if they are at increased risk for invasive S. pneumoniae infections, such as children with sickle cell anemia or those receiving cochlear implants. 

Humans given zinc supplements should be aware of possible complications (Fosmire 1990). Low intakes of 100 to 300 mg of zinc daily in excess of the recommended dietary allowance of 15 mg Zn daily may produce induced copper deficiency, impaired immune function, and disrupted blood lipid profiles. Patients treated with zinc supplements (150 mg daily) to control sickle cell anemia and nonresponsive celiac disease developed a severe copper deficiency in 13 to 23 months normal copper status was restored by cessation of zinc supplements and increased dietary copper (Fosmire 1990). 

Therapy for sickle cell disease has changed dramatically since the mid-1990s. Prior to the 1980s therapeutic interventions for sickle cell disease consisted of supportive care during acute illness, opioids for pain management, and occasional transfusions for severe anemia or life-threatening complications. At that time, sickle cell disease was considered a pediatric disease as there were few children who survived into adulthood. In 1986, the Penicillin Prophylaxis Study was conducted, providing evidence that early intervention with penicillin prevented... 

Sickle cell hemoglobin C Painless hematuria and rare aseptic necrosis of bone vasoocclusive crises are less common and occur later in life other complications are ocular disease and pregnancy-related problems mild anemia (Hb 10-12 g/dL)... 

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