[Management of adults with sickle cell anemia]

The management of adults with sickle cell disease should be geared to the profile of the disease in adulthood. The chronic hemolytic anemia impacts everyday activities. Paroxysmal complications include painful vasoocclusive crises, acute chest syndrome, priapism, and infections. Potentially life-threatening chronic complications should be detected and treated early; they include cardiopulmonary, renal, and hepatic involvement. Osteonecrosis of the hip can result in functional impairment. Pregnancy and anesthesia require special precautions. A multifaceted personalized management program, if possible at a sickle cell disease center working closely with other health care providers and social workers, offers the best hope for providing ever-increasing gains in quality of life for sickle cell disease patients.