Management of Acute Vaso-Occlusive Episodes in Pediatric Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

Overview

The objective of this clinical practice guideline is to promote optimal management of acute vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease who present to the ACH emergency department and may/may not be admitted. The guideline focuses on:

1) Early recognition of VOC and initiation of effective analgesia
2) Recommended analgesic approach during emergency department and ward stay.
3) Considerations for admission and APS consultation for severe VOC pain.
4) Standard patient education and discharge teaching, and imnplementation of exceptional care plans in high-risk patietns with frequent VOCs.