Which factor most contributed to the vaso-occlusive crisis?

Which factor most contributed to the vaso-occlusive crisis?

Vaso-occlusive crises are often precipitated by the following:

• Cold weather (due to vasospasm)
• Hypoxia (eg, flying in unpressurized aircraft)
• Infection.
• Dehydration (especially from exertion or during warm weather)
• Acidosis.
• Alcohol intoxication.
• Emotional stress.
• Pregnancy.

  Does vaso-occlusive crisis cause pain?

  The vaso-occlusive crisis, or sickle cell crisis, is a common painful complication of sickle cell disease in adolescents and adults. Acute episodes of severe pain (crises) are the primary reason that these patients seek medical care in hospital emergency departments.

  What causes pain crises in sickle cell patients?

  Episodes of pain. Periodic episodes of pain, called pain crises, are a major symptom of sickle cell anemia. Pain develops when sickle-shaped red blood cells block blood flow through tiny blood vessels to your chest, abdomen and joints. Pain can also occur in your bones.

  What is a major symptom of vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia?

  Pain crisis (also called vaso-occlusive crisis) Pain can occur anywhere but most often occurs in the bones of the arms, legs, chest, and spine. Painful swelling of the small bones of the hands and feet (dactylitis) can occur in infants and toddlers.

  What are the signs and symptoms of a vaso-occlusive crisis?

  Chest. Hands and feet (more typical in young children)…You may also have:

  • Breathing problems (shortness of breath or pain when breathing or both)
  • Extreme tiredness.
  • Headache or dizziness.
  • Painful erections in males.
  • Weakness or a hard time moving some parts of your body.
  • Yellowish skin color (jaundice)

  How do you treat a vaso-occlusive crisis?

  Vaso-occlusive crisis is treated with vigorous intravenous hydration and analgesics. Intravenous fluids should be of sufficient quantity to correct dehydration and to replace continuing loss, both insensible and due to fever. Normal saline and 5% dextrose in saline may be used.

  What happens if vaso-occlusive crisis is not treated?

  Early detection and rapid initiation of appropriate treatment for several acute conditions including the vaso-occlusive crisis, aplastic crisis, sequestration crisis, and hemolytic crisis is needed. These crises, if not treated early, can result in mortality.

  How is a vaso-occlusive crisis diagnosed?

  It is not possible to diagnose a painful vaso-occlusive episode with a specific clinical finding or laboratory test. Due to multiple complications of sickle cell disease that present with pain, multiple tests may be done to “rule out” or make sure a patient does not have another complication.