Sickle Cell Disease is the most common genetic disease world wide and in the UK. It has marked geographical variation in its distribution in the UK, with a concentration in London and other major conurbations (Birmingham and Manchester). In these areas, specialist centres have become established offering expert, up to date care for both inpatients and out patients with Sickle Cell Disease. Although patient numbers are increasing outside these areas, the expertise of health professionals can be patchy. This book aims to provide a user friendly, accessible resource for areas with smaller numbers of patients, to allow them to provide equitable care with the larger well established centres. Sickle Cell Disease can be associated with acute life threatening complications, when clear, easily available advice is needed, and with chronic long term complications which may need liaison with other health professionals. Clear treatment protocols for all the common complications of sickle cell disease, are outlined here, with summaries of key evidence and references.

Jo Howard is Consultant haematologist at the Department of Haematology, Guys& St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London

Overview of Sickle Cell Disease.- Laboratory Tests Used in Diagnosis and Monitoring of Sickle Cell Disease.- Organization of Care for Sickle Cell Disease.- Overview and general principles.- Pain in Sickle Cell Disease.- Respiratory and Cardiac Complications in Sickle Cell Disease.- Neurological Complications of Sickle Cell Disease.- Renal and Urological Complications in Sickle Cell Disease.- Bone and Joint Complications in Sickle Cell Disease.- Ophthalmological complications in Sickle Cell Disease.- The Spleen in Sickle Cell Disease.- Infection and Infection Prophylaxis in Sickle Cell Disease.- Gastroenterological Complications in Sickle Cell Disease.- Anemia and Sickle Cell Disease.- Leg Ulceration in Sickle Cell Disease.- Management of Pregnancy in Sickle Cell Disease.- Surgical Management of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease.- Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Modalities.- Out-Patient Management of Sickle Cell Disease Patients.