PURPOSE: To search the literature for epidemiological aspects of hemoglobin S. METHODS: This study was a bibliographic investigation from 1976 to 2007 using Medline and Lilacs databases. A manual search was also conducted. RESULTS: Among the 21 articles selected, 7 of them (33.3%) were published between 1976 and 2000, 10 of them (47.7%) were published between 2001 and 2004, and 4 of them (19.0%) were published between 2005 and 2007. Three of those articles that described the pathophysiology and clinical presentation were published by nurses. One of the publications, using Roy's adaptation model, described the nursing process to clients with falciform anemia. Eleven publications (52.0%) were worldwide epidemiological studies. Seven publications (34.0%) described the diagnosis, neonatal screening, and programs for the management of falciform anemia in Brazil. CONCLUSION: There is a need for further research in the topic by health care professionals, especially by nurses regarding preventive measures, and the management and rehabilitation of patients with falciform anemia.
Anemia; sickle cell anemia; Sickle cell trait; Neonatal screening