ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Many people with sickle cell disease manage their pain crises at home. This study aims to describe the home management of sickle cell pain by Togolese patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From July 1996 to April 1997, parents of children with sickle cell disease, and some adults with sickle cell disease living in rural and urban regions were interviewed about their home treatment habits during pain crises. RESULTS: A total of 165 patients with sickle cell disease (82 from urban and 83 from rural areas) were selected. The techniques most frequently used for pain management included salicylates (61.8%), paracetamol (37%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (15.1%), vasodilators and pentoxifylline (5.4%). Only 4.2% of the patients mentioned adequate hydration. None used other antalgics (weak or strong opium derivatives). No difference was noticed between the treatment habits of rural regions and those of urban regions. CONCLUSION: In order to improve the quality of life of patients with sickle cell disease, information and awareness programs must be organized in order to establish a standard home pain management. Emphasis must be put on the use of salicylates and paracetamol at the correct dosage, the intake of abundant fluids, the easy use of analgesic of the second step of the Word Health Organization, and the systematic treatment of malaria which can induce pain crises.
