Risk factors for death as an adult:
(1) acute anemia
(2) low levels of hemoglobin F
(3) acute renal failure
(4) frequent painful crises
(5) acute chest syndrome
(6) leukocytosis
Risk factors for pediatric death:
(1) anemia
(2) low levels of hemoglobin F
(3) leukocytosis
(4) reticulocytosis
(5) stroke
Risk factors for stroke:
(1) acute anemia
(2) acute chest syndrome
(3) transient ischemic attack
(4) hypertension
(5) absence of alpha-thalassemia
Risk factors for acute chest syndrome:
(1) polycythemia
(2) low levels of hemoglobin F
(3) leukocytosis
Risk factors for painful crises:
(1) polycythemia
(2) low levels of hemoglobin F
Risk factors for avascular necrosis of bone:
(1) polycythemia
(2) frequent painful crises
(3) presence of alpha-thalassemia
(4) decreased MCV (microcytic indices)
(5) elevated AST
Risk factors for leg ulcers:
(1) anemia
(2) decreased hemoglobin F
Sepsis:
(1) increased percent pock-marked RBCs
where:
• A history of stroke, painful crises and acute chest syndrome should increase the risk for future recurrences.
Depressed levels of hemoglobin F is associated with:
(1) pediatric or adult death
(2) acute chest syndrome
(3) frequent painful crises
(4) leg ulcers
