Sickle Cell Disease Can Impact Classroom Performance

Students with sickle cell disease need to take some extra precautions in school, says a Baylor College of Medicine doctor.

"You have children in your schools who have this disease," said Dr. Donald Mahoney, professor of pediatric hematology at Baylor College of Medicine. "Some of the conditions of sickle cell can impact the students in the classroom."

Children with sickle cell need more water and rest breaks.

"These children might not have the stamina of their classmates," Dr. Mahoney said. "And getting plenty of fluids is very important in avoiding pain episodes."

Sudden temperature changes can also be a problem.

"Even if it's 90 degrees outside on the playground, when children come in to an air-conditioned classroom, they should wear a jacket until their bodies adjust," he said.

School officials should have an action plan on file for students with sickle cell disease and should be aware of conditions, like fever or signs of infection, that require immediate medical attention. It's also important that teachers and the school nurse have a good understanding of the complications of sickle cell and how to handle them, particularly pain episodes. Often, pain medication along with a rest break and drinking lots of fluids can provide relief from the pain.

Children with sickle cell can sometimes miss several weeks of classes each school year because of complications from the disease and medical appointments.

"It's important that families and school officials work together closely to ensure that the students can catch up on any work that they miss," said Dr. Mahoney. "We want to keep these children in school, leading normal lives."

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder caused by an abnormality in the red blood cells. Approximately one in 400 African-American babies are born with the disease.

Complications from the disease include episodes of severe pain, risk for infection and neurologic problems.

Texas Children's Cancer Center and Hematology Service offers materials to educators to help in providing the best educational environment for children with sickle cell disease. For more information, contact Christopher Baldez at (832) 824-4189.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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