[Sickle-cell anemia and pain].

Sickle-cell anaemia is the most widespread genetic disease in the world. It manifests itself differently depending on the individual, but approximately 20% of patients affected suffer from very frequent and severe vaso-occlusive crises. The red blood cells, deformed into a sickle shape, obliterate the small blood vessels, reducing the oxygen supply to the organs. It is the main reason that patients with sickle-cell anaemia seek medical care in hospital emergency departments. Morphine is the basic treatment.