Final answer:
Sickle cell anemia is characterized by red blood cells that have a sickle shape, leading to blockage of blood flow and numerous health complications in children such as severe pain, swelling, anemia, delayed growth, and risk of infections and stroke.
Step-by-step explanation:
Clinical Features of Sickle Cell Anemia in Children
Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic disorder affecting haemoglobin within red blood cells, leading to a change in cell shape from round to a crescent or sickle shape. This abnormal shape can obstruct blood flow, potentially causing various clinical features.
- Severe pain due to vaso-occlusive crises from blocked blood vessels.
- Swelling in feet and hands, also known as dactylitis.
- An increased risk of infections due to spleen damage.
- Anemia caused by the rapid breakdown of the sickled red blood cells (hemolysis).
- Delayed growth and development due to chronic anaemia and poor nutrition.
- Acute chest syndrome characterized by chest pain, fever, and lung inflammation.
- Increased risk of stroke and other cerebrovascular accidents.
- Retinopathy, which can potentially lead to blindness.
Children with sickle cell anaemia might experience recurrent episodes of pain and may develop chronic complications that can affect virtually any system in the body.