Current opinion: an overview of sickle cell disease and chronic pain and perioperative considerations.

Purpose: This review aims to provide the practicing anesthesiologist with information on the pathophysiology, physiology, and management of patients with sickle cell disease. This includes the evaluation of common intraoperative management issues as well as perioperative concerns related to the disease. This review will also discuss the outpatient care of sickle cell patients concerning disease-modifying agents and chronic pain management.

Peripartum considerations in sickle cell disease.

Purpose Of Review: Pregnancy exacerbates sickle cell disease (SCD) and is associated with increased frequency and severity of complications resulting in high levels of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. We review recent recommendations for managing SCD in pregnancy.

Recent Findings: An updated pathobiological model of SCD now attributes the clinical picture to a vicious cycle of four major cellular disturbances.