The Crisis can be divided into 4 sub types, as following:
TYPE/DESCRIPTION
|
SYMPTOMS
|
Vaso-occlusive crisis: Most common type;
usually appears after age 5; the result of sickling in the microcirculation
that leads to vasospasm, thrombosis, and local infection
|
Severe pain: Joint, abdominal, muscle, and
thoracic; jaundice; dark urine; fever; elevated white blood cell (WBC) count;
lethargy; fatigue; sleepiness
|
Sequestration crisis: Occurs in infants
between 8 and 24 mo; massive pooling of RBCs in the liver and spleen
|
Lethargy, pale skin, hypovolemia,
tachycardia, cool extremities, dropping urinary output, delayed capillary
refill
|
Aplastic crisis: Results from bone marrow
depression and is associated with viral infections; leads to compensatory
increase in RBCs and RBC lysis
|
Lethargy, pale skin, shortness of breath,
altered mental status, sleepiness
|
Hyperhemolytic crisis: Rare; result of
certain medications or infections
|
Abdominal distension, jaundice, dark urine
|
Sickle
cell crisis may be preceded by a recent infection or a stressor such as
dehydration, strenuous activity, or high altitude. Other assessment findings
include changes in mental status, such as sleepiness, listlessness, and
irritability. Fever; severe pain; bloody urine; and pallor of the lips, tongue,
palms, and nails may also occur.
Reference: Diseases and Disorders : A nursing Therapeutic Manual(14.0.6 version), F.A. Davis Company.
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