[Sickle-cell anemia and anesthesia].

On account of immigration there are now groups in the Danish population, which should be tested for sickle-cell disorders before anaesthesia. In certain other countries patients of negro or arabian anchestry are sickle tested. Specific diagnosis of sickle-cell disorders is made only by haemoglobin electrophoresis. Sickle-cell crises are commonly precipitated by infection, dehydration, cold, hypoxia and acidosis. Before anaesthesia the patient must be free from intercurrent infection and well hydrated. During anaesthesia it is important to avoid hypoxia, hypotension, cold and venous stasis. Either general or regional anaesthesia may be used. Controlled oxygen therapy must be continued well into the postoperative period.