[Management of drepanocytic patients]

Comprehensive supportive care includes outpatient follow up (periodic evaluation of baseline status, psychosocial support, prevention of sepsis through oral prophylactic penicillin in young children and vaccinations, early treatment of acute episodes (painful crises, other vaso-occlusive events, infection, acute anemia...); In adulthood residual organ dysfunction becomes one of the foremost problems. Further, more specific high risk situations (pregnancy, anesthesia) require adequate responses. Early diagnosis, improved strategy of care best achieved in Sickle Cell Centers can reduce mortality and morbidity in the aim of providing a better quality of life.