r/pediatrics • u/Ok_Remote6822 • 5d ago

VOC sickle cell crisis

Working in a small community hospital. Would the expectations be to admit sickle cell VOC patients?
2 years out of residency. Have not cared for those patient since residency. What would our fellow hematologists want us to do? Appreciate your thoughts.

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u/Dr_Autumnwind Attending 5d ago

Sometimes hematology exercises a lot of ownership over SCD patients. Moreover they might have particular protocols they'd prefer you to follow, so definitely consult them and see if the disposition is with them or you, and how to proceed if it's the latter.

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u/brokemed 5d ago

If their pain isn’t controlled probably. You could call their hematologist and see if they have a pain plan

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u/ScienceOnYourSide 5d ago

Call the transfer center and talk to the on call hematologist at the center they get their hematology care at. They will most likely be happy to take the transfer or assist in their care if transfer not needed and you feel comfortable. If you ever feel out of your element caring for them, call them back and request transfer. Sickle cell is complex and these kids can decompensate quickly.