Acute Vaso-Occlusive Episode in Sickle Cell Anemia:
II. Epidemiology
Affects almost all Sickle Cell Anemia patients
May occur as early as age 6 months
III. Pathophysiology
Deoxygenated Hemoglobin polymerizes in triple helix chains
Results in Red Blood Cells assuming sickled shape
Results in Occlusion of small vessels and capillaries
IV. Precipitating Factors
A. Preceded by infection 25% of the time
1. Human Parvovirus B19 is a common viral cause
B. Cold Weather due to reflex vasospasm
C. Dehydration in warm weather
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