Final answer:
Keeping the oxygen saturation low does not improve the clinical outcome of sickle cell anemia; instead, it worsens it by increasing the likelihood of red blood cell sickling and therefore reducing oxygen delivery to tissues (Option D).
Step-by-step explanation:
All of the following improve the clinical outcome of sickle cell anemia (hemoglobin SS) except one option. Let's review what each option entails:
- Aggressive prevention and treatment of infection: This is crucial for patients with sickle cell anemia since their immune system is often compromised, making them more susceptible to infections.
- Presence of fetal hemoglobin: Higher levels of fetal hemoglobin can reduce the sickling of cells and improve symptoms and outcomes in individuals with sickle cell anemia.
- Transfusions during crises: Receiving blood transfusions can help manage sickle cell crises by reducing the proportion of sickled cells and improving oxygen delivery to the body's tissues.
- Keeping the oxygen saturation low: This would worsen the clinical outcome as sickle cell anemia is a condition where red blood cells, which are abnormally crescent-shaped, lead to reduced oxygen perfusion into the blood. Lower oxygen levels can trigger red blood cells to sickle, exacerbating the condition.
Therefore, the answer is keeping the oxygen saturation low, as this does not improve but instead deteriorates the clinical outcome of sickle cell anemia, which corresponds to Option D.