Reasonable Hypothesis SOP [1] | 40 of 2017 |
Balance of Probabilities SOP [2] | 41 of 2017 |
Bulletin 197 [3]
Sickle-cell disorder is a group of inherited disorders occurring predominantly in people of Afro-Carribean descent. The disorders affect the haemoglobin of red blood cells. There are benign forms (sickle-cell trait) and more serious forms (sickle-cell anaemia). The latter may be associate with chronic ill health and pain and intermittent exacerbations (or crises).
The diagnosis is confirmed by laboratory testing.
The relevant medical specialist is a haematologist.
This is a genetic disorder. Clinical manifestations are not present at birth. They usually begin to become apparent after the first few months of life. Diagnostic testing in potentially affected individuals is usually undertaken prenatally, or at or soon after birth. Clinical onset should predate military service in all cases.
Clinical worsening may be evidenced by a sickle-cell crisis or series of crises resulting in significant end-organ damage or death, or a substantial increase in the requirement for hospitalisation for management of the manifestations or complications of sickle-cell disorder.
Links
[1] http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2017/040.pdf
[2] http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2017/041.pdf
[3] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/Bulletin%20197.pdf