The child with sickle cell anemia: implications and management.

Sickle cell anemia is a chronic illness affecting eight percent of the black population in the United States. It is an autosomal recessive, genetic disease. The clinical manifestations include anemia and vaso-occlusion. If these manifestations are properly managed, life threatening side effects can be prevented. Comprehensive medical care can prevent and minimize these crises and identify problem areas of concern before major damage is done to the organ systems of the body.