THE ROLE OF THE PHARMACIST IN MONITORING PATIENTS WITH SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

Abstract

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic hemolytic disease caused by a molecular alteration responsible for the production of hemoglobin S (HbS). Conditions such as hypoxia, fever, and dehydration may trigger the loss of red blood cell flexibility, favoring severe clinical complications. Hydroxyurea stands out as the main pharmacological treatment for severe cases of the disease, contributing to the reduction of vaso-occlusive crises and improvement in quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacist’s role in monitoring patients with sickle cell anemia, addressing the main clinical complications, the use of hydroxyurea, and pharmaceutical interventions related to treatment. This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative and descriptive approach, conducted through searches in Google Scholar, SciELO, and LILACS databases. The results demonstrate that sickle cell anemia has high clinical complexity and may progress with painful crises and severe complications, such as Acute Chest Syndrome. It is concluded that the pharmacist plays an essential role in the multidisciplinary healthcare team by monitoring pharmacotherapy, promoting the rational use of medicines, and providing health education.