Responsible for the drainage of the body, the Lymph system provides a pathway for fats and fat soluble vitamins. It returns proteins and tissue fluids back to the blood, also helping to defend the body by transporting white blood cells.
The word Lymphatic derives from the Latin word lymphaticus, meaning "connected to water," named so because of its clear appearance. It consists of lymph vessels, lymph nodes, lymph fluid, the tonsils, adenoids, spleen and thymus. Incorporating 600 to 700 lymph nodes in the human body, the lymph system filters the lymph before it returns to the circulatory system (1).
The word Lymphatic derives from the Latin word lymphaticus, meaning "connected to water," named so because of its clear appearance. It consists of lymph vessels, lymph nodes, lymph fluid, the tonsils, adenoids, spleen and thymus. Incorporating 600 to 700 lymph nodes in the human body, the lymph system filters the lymph before it returns to the circulatory system (1).
Although many diseases and complications can affect and arise in the Lymph system, those with Sickle Cell Disease typically suffer from those associated with the spleen.
The Spleen: Acts as a filter where old red blood cells are recycled. Also the spleen produces white blood cells. Although having a spleen helps fight infections, the production of lymphocytes and platelets can be overtaken by the bone marrow and the recycling function can be overtaken by the liver.
Sickle Cell Complications Include:
Acute splenic sequestration (ASSC): Sickle cells clump in the spleen causing enlargement and resulting in a reduction of hemoglobin circulation throughout the body (2).
Oxygen deprivation of the Spleen: Sickling of red blood cells can keep the spleen from receiving adequate blood supply, eventually leading to its dysfunction.
The Spleen: Acts as a filter where old red blood cells are recycled. Also the spleen produces white blood cells. Although having a spleen helps fight infections, the production of lymphocytes and platelets can be overtaken by the bone marrow and the recycling function can be overtaken by the liver.
Sickle Cell Complications Include:
Acute splenic sequestration (ASSC): Sickle cells clump in the spleen causing enlargement and resulting in a reduction of hemoglobin circulation throughout the body (2).
Oxygen deprivation of the Spleen: Sickling of red blood cells can keep the spleen from receiving adequate blood supply, eventually leading to its dysfunction.
Treatments
Transfusions: Remove the build up in the spleen, increase hemoglobin circulation
Splenectomy: Removal of the spleen or partial removal of the spleen. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that most children with sickle cell anemia undergo surgical removal of the spleen or do not have a functioning spleen by the age of eight years (3).
Education: Early detection and sign of an enlarged spleen help coordinate proper treatments. Parents are encouraged to self-examine the spleen and bring their child in for evaluation if the spleen enlarges (4).
Antibiotics: After a spleen removal, infection is common and easier to catch. For this reason, prior immunization and vaccinations are needed as well as extra antibiotics to keep the body up to date. Common threats include: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenza, bacteria that cause severe pneumonia, and meningitis (5).
References
1. Kim Ann Zimmermann. (2013). Lymphatic System: Facts, Functions & Diseases. Live Science. Retrieved August 22, 2014, from http://www.livescience.com/26983-lymphatic-system.html
2. A.D.A.M. (2014). Sickle Cell Disease. Penn State Hershey. Retrieved August 23, 2014 from http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=10&pid=10&gid=000058
3. Noreen Kassem. (2011). Systems of the Body Affected by Sickle Cell Anemia. Live Strong.com. Retrieved August 23, 2014 from http://www.livestrong.com/article/128264-systems-body-affected-sickle-cell/
4. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2013). Enlarged Spleen. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved August 23, 2014 from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/enlarged-spleen/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20029324
5. David T. Derrer, MD. (2014). Splenectomy. WebMD. Retrieved August 23, 2014 from http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/splenectomy?page=3
Transfusions: Remove the build up in the spleen, increase hemoglobin circulation
Splenectomy: Removal of the spleen or partial removal of the spleen. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that most children with sickle cell anemia undergo surgical removal of the spleen or do not have a functioning spleen by the age of eight years (3).
Education: Early detection and sign of an enlarged spleen help coordinate proper treatments. Parents are encouraged to self-examine the spleen and bring their child in for evaluation if the spleen enlarges (4).
Antibiotics: After a spleen removal, infection is common and easier to catch. For this reason, prior immunization and vaccinations are needed as well as extra antibiotics to keep the body up to date. Common threats include: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenza, bacteria that cause severe pneumonia, and meningitis (5).
References
1. Kim Ann Zimmermann. (2013). Lymphatic System: Facts, Functions & Diseases. Live Science. Retrieved August 22, 2014, from http://www.livescience.com/26983-lymphatic-system.html
2. A.D.A.M. (2014). Sickle Cell Disease. Penn State Hershey. Retrieved August 23, 2014 from http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=10&pid=10&gid=000058
3. Noreen Kassem. (2011). Systems of the Body Affected by Sickle Cell Anemia. Live Strong.com. Retrieved August 23, 2014 from http://www.livestrong.com/article/128264-systems-body-affected-sickle-cell/
4. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2013). Enlarged Spleen. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved August 23, 2014 from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/enlarged-spleen/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20029324
5. David T. Derrer, MD. (2014). Splenectomy. WebMD. Retrieved August 23, 2014 from http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/splenectomy?page=3
