Vaso-occlusive crises can lead to several severe complications, including:
- Acute Chest Syndrome: A potentially life-threatening condition characterized by chest pain, fever, and respiratory distress. - Stroke: Resulting from the occlusion of blood vessels in the brain. - Organ Damage: Chronic VOCs can lead to damage in organs such as the spleen, liver, and kidneys. - Infection: Patients with SCD are more susceptible to infections due to compromised immunity.
While VOCs are challenging to manage, with proper treatment and preventive strategies, patients can experience an improved quality of life. The prognosis varies depending on the frequency and severity of the crises and the presence of any complications.
