NICE drawing up new sickle cell treatment guidelines

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has announced that it is developing new guidelines on the management of sickle cell, a common genetic disorder.

Early work has begun on the creation of the document, which will aim to offer recommendations on the best method of treating acute painful sickle cell episodes in hospitals.

The disorder affects between around 12,500 and 15,000 people in the UK and alters the shape of blood cells, which can lead to symptoms such as anaemia, as well as damaging major organs.

Among the few lasting cures for the condition is bone marrow transplants, but only one in ten sickle cell sufferers are able to find suitable donors, according to NHS figures.

A consultation has now been opened up on the draft scope of the guidance, with NICE calling on stakeholders to submit comments on what aspects of care the document should cover.

Christine Carson, programme director at the NICE's centre for clinical practice, said: "Sickle cell is more common than people might think so it is essential that there are clear, evidence-based guidelines in place to help improve the management of sickle cell crises in hospital."