First patients in England to receive new sickle cell treatment

Sickle cell patients have started to receive the first new treatment for the blood disorder in over twenty years.  The drug, Crizanlizumab, is given as a monthly infusion and is believed to reduce A&E visits by 40 per cent.

 

Sickle cell disease can cause severe pain and organ failure, often requiring hospital admissions.  It causes red blood cells to distort and become sticky, blocking vessels and restricting oxygen supply, which triggers excruciating pain.

 

Crizanlizumab, a monoclonal antibody, binds to a protein in blood cells, preventing them from clumping together.

 

Ten new specialist treatment centres have been set up across England, which doctors hope will improve outcome for patients.

 

Dr Shivan Pancham, consultant haematologist at Birmingham City Hospital, said “Our patients often find the experience in emergency departments challenging with a lack of understanding of the severity of the pain.

 

“It is hoped with these new therapies if we reduce the likelihood of attending emergency departments, ultimately this will be much better for the patients.”

 

Kye Gbagbo, chair of the Sickle Cell Society, said “We are delighted to see the first sickle cell patients are now getting access to this life-changing new treatment.

 

“We encourage others that are eligible to do similar.  Sickle cell crises cause extreme pain and are a huge disruption to daily life.

 

“We hope that this new treatment will bring a new lease of life to many living with sickle cell.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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