Resolving conflicts: Misconceptions and myths in the care of the patient with sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease is an autosomal recessive disease that primarily affect s persons of African ancestry. The hallmark of the disease is hemolytic ane mia and vaso-occlusive crisis. Patients often have recurrent and severely p ainful episodes that necessitate the use of opioids. The reluctance of some health care providers to prescribe narcotics has resulted in adversarial r elationships with some patients. The socio-cultural disparity between patie nts and providers may play a role. However, the lack of knowledge and under standing of the underlying pathophysiology of the disease and pain are the key issues. Education, research and hands-on experience, resulting in chang es in attitudes and behaviors, will ultimately lead to a more empathic appr oach to the sickle cell patient.