Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
08:23
Characterization of Sickling During Controlled Automated Deoxygenation with Oxygen Gradient Ektacytometry
Published on: November 5, 2019
Fall Risk Factors in Older Patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD): A Narrative Review
Salome Bwayo Weaver1, E'Shay Winfield Winfield1, Dhakrit Rungkittawattanakul1
11Howard University College of Pharmacy, Washington DC.
The Senior Care Pharmacist
|August 9, 2026
Summary
Older adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) face increased fall risks due to factors like poor physical function and cognitive issues. Early identification of these risks is crucial for prevention and management.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Hematology
- Public Health
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects over 100,000 Black individuals in the US.
- Limited evidence exists on fall risk factors in older adults with SCD.
- Fall risks in SCD patients aged 50+ overlap with the general geriatric population (65+).
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors contributing to increased fall risk in older adults with SCD.
- To synthesize current knowledge on SCD-related falls in aging populations.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE.
- Used keywords: "sickle cell disease", "falls", "risk factors", "older adults", "management", "prevention".
Main Results:
- Identified 15 relevant studies.
- Key fall risk factors include reduced physical functioning, dizziness, cognitive impairment, visual deficits, vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis, polypharmacy, and silent cerebral ischemia (SCI).
Conclusions:
- Fall risk in older adults with SCD is multifactorial, involving neuromusculoskeletal, sensory, cognitive, and medication-related issues.
- Evidence is limited, and SCD-specific fall prevention guidance is lacking.
- Clinicians should screen older SCD patients for identified fall risk factors.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
01:26Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
The nursing management of a patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s health history and clinical manifestations.AssessmentHealth History: Evaluate the patient’s history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of cardiovascular issues, and lifestyle factors such as dietary patterns, smoking, and physical activity.Physical Examination:Assess the affected extremity for decreased or absent peripheral pulses, temperature changes,...
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...