Address correspondence to Millicent Sutton, M.D., Pediatric Hematology, Box 1208, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One East 100th Street, New York, NY 10029. The hallmark of the disease is hemolytic anemia and vaso-occlusive crisis.
Patients often have recurrent and severely painful episodes that necessitate the use of opioids.
The reluctance of some health care providers to prescribe narcotics has resulted in adversarial relationships with some patients. The socio-cultural disparity between patients and providers may play a role. However, the lack of knowledge and understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of the disease and pain are the key issues. Education, research and hands-on experience, resulting in changes in attitudes and behaviors, will ultimately lead to a more empathic approach to the sickle cell patient.