Medications for Sickle Cell Disease...Editor’s note: As of September 2024, Oxbryta (voxelotor) has been voluntarily withdrawn from the market by the manufacturer due to safety concerns. Pfizer, the manufacturer of Oxbryta, has also ceased...
Living With Sickle Cell Trait...People with sickle cell trait inherit a sickle cell gene from 1 parent and a normal gene from the other parent. They usually do not have sickle red blood cells...
Iron Chelation and Sickle Cell Disease...High levels of iron in the body can cause life-threatening conditions, such as liver disease, heart problems, and diabetes. Excessive iron (often called “iron overload”) is caused by some genetic...
Living with Sickle Cell Disease...With improving treatments, people with sickle cell disease (SCD) generally have full lives and can enjoy most activities. Taking steps to control your own healthcare and adopt healthy habits can...
Immunizations and Sickle Cell Disease...Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are more vulnerable to severe infections because of damage to the spleen. The spleen is an immune system organ that protects against certain types...
Imaging Tests for Sickle Cell Disease...Medical imaging is a technique that doctors use to create pictures of internal body parts. Different types of imaging tests help doctors make accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions. Doctors may...
Interpersonal Racism and Sickle Cell Disease...Interpersonal racism occurs when personal implicit (implied) or explicit (obvious) racial beliefs affect public behavior. Interpersonal racism greatly affects the lives and healthcare of many Black people living with sickle...
Healthcare Providers and Sickle Cell Disease...Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of genetic red blood cell disorders. Most of the time, SCD is treated by doctors called hematologists, who are experts in blood conditions...
How Do Mutated Hemoglobin Genes Cause Sickle Cell Disease?...Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a red blood cell disorder caused by abnormal hemoglobin. Red blood cells (RBCs) are the transport system our bodies use to deliver oxygen around the...
How Common Is Sickle Cell Disease?...Millions of people around the world live with sickle cell disease (SCD). It is most common in Africa, the Middle East, and India. The exact number of people with SCD...
Glossary of Sickle Cell Disease Terms...Condition characterized by chest pain, cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. ACS is a potentially life-threatening complication of SCD and requires transfusions and intensive care hospitalization. Condition where you have a...
Folic Acid for Sickle Cell Disease...People with sickle cell disease (SCD) often take folic acid supplements to treat anemia. In the body, folic acid gets converted to folate, which the body uses to make new...
Financial Impact of Sickle Cell Disease...Sickle cell disease (SCD) has a large financial impact on people. People with SCD have a much lower lifetime income because of shorter life expectancy and reduced employment. They often...
Going to School with Sickle Cell Disease...At home, it is easier to monitor the needs of children with sickle cell disease (SCD). However, at school, the environment is less controlled. Preventing and managing pain crises at...
Coping with Long Hospital Stays...As treatments improve, people with sickle cell disease (SCD) are having shorter hospital stays. However, hospitalizations are still commonly needed to treat acute pain crises, acute chest syndrome episodes, and...
Exercise and Athletics With Sickle Cell Disease...Regular exercise is healthy for everyone, including people with sickle cell disease (SCD). However, people with SCD should keep exercises mild and make sure to take breaks. Strenuous activities can...
Diagnosis and Follow-Up Care With Sickle Cell DIsease...Routine healthcare improves outcomes for people with sickle cell disease (SCD) by preventing complications. For children, this involves antibiotics, vaccinations, laboratory tests, and education. Universal newborn screening allows doctors and...
Depression, Anxiety, and Sickle Cell Disease...Symptoms of depression and anxiety are common in people with sickle cell disease (SCD). People with SCD may experience depression and anxiety because of physical symptoms like pain and fatigue...
Splenic Sequestration and Sickle Cell Disease...Splenic sequestration is a complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). It can lead to severe anemia and is a life-threatening condition. It is most common among young children with the...