Affiliation:
1. Dr. Mercado is a Physician Assistant, University of California-San Francisco Community Cancer Institute, Sickle Cell Disease Clinic, 785 N Medical Center Dr West, Ste 203, Clovis CA 93611; E-mail:.
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD), one of the most common inherited diseases, is associated with lifetime morbidity and reduced life expectancy. In the United States, SCD primarily affects Black patients and, to a lesser degree, those of Hispanic descent
These populations are known to have health care disparities related to lower socioeconomic status, limited access to health care, and racial bias. The quality-adjusted life expectancy of patients with SCD is less than 35 years, because of progressive complications of the disease. The most common complication is severe episodic pain related to vaso-occlusive ischemic events. Despite guidelines, pain management often is delayed as patients struggle with resistance from clinicians based on concerns over opioid use or abuse, overdose, or drug-seeking behavior. Effective pain management can be accomplished with collaboration between clinicians and patients, a documented outpatient pain management plan, and when necessary, an emergency department clinical pain pathway for acute SCD pain management
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)