How do people with sickle cell disease (SCD) do with COVID-19?
Patients with SCD often have underlying cardiopulmonary co-morbidities that may predispose them to poor outcomes if they become infected with SARS-CoV-2. Data are being collected by the international COVID-19 sickle cell disease registry and by the ASH Registry, and providers are encouraged to report their SCD patients with COVID-19.
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America updates its recommendations weekly about best practices for the care of SCD patients in the era of COVID-19. Below, we address FAQs that arise most commonly from providers less familiar with SCD.
How should I evaluate respiratory symptoms in children and adults with an active COVID-19 infection?
There is significant overlap in presenting symptoms between COVID-19, acute chest syndrome (ACS) and other infectious causes of pneumonia. Providers should test for COVID-19 and other infectious pathogens and have a low threshold for imaging. COVID-19 most commonly presents with a more diffuse ground glass appearance, versus more localized infiltrates consistent with pneumonia or ACS.
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