Key Components of Pain Management for Children and Adults with Sickle Cell Disease

Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2018 Jun;32(3):535-550. doi: 10.1016/j.hoc.2018.01.014.

Abstract

Sickle cell disease pain manifests as severe acute pain episodes and a debilitating chronic pain syndrome. Acute pain episodes are the most common reason for health care use; however, acute pain episodes are also frequently managed at home. Chronic pain syndrome develops in 30% to 40% of individuals with sickle cell disease, with an increasing incidence and severity with age. We review the critical aspects of pain management that are integral to the comprehensive approach to sickle cell disease pain and are rooted in the biopsychosocial model. The review focuses on opioid pharmacology and psychosocial comorbidities.

Keywords: Acute pain; Anxiety; Chronic pain syndrome; Depression; Opioids; Sickle cell disease; Sleep.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell* / pathology
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell* / physiopathology
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell* / therapy
  • Child
  • Chronic Pain* / pathology
  • Chronic Pain* / physiopathology
  • Chronic Pain* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Pain Management / methods*
  • Syndrome