Definition

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a blood disorder. The shape of some red blood cells (RBCs) change to a sickle (crescent moon) shape. The sickle RBCs can block blood flow in blood vessels. This will slow or stop the flow of blood and oxygen to tissues and organs.

The body will also destroy these RBCs because they are abnormal. This means you have fewer overall RBCs. Low levels of RBCs is a condition called anemia. This makes it harder for the body to get the oxygen it needs.

Red Blood Cells: Normal and Sickle Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

A defect in the genes causes SDC. This gene causes a problem with a part of the RBC called hemoglobin.

Parents pass the defect to their children. SCD will only develop if you get the defective gene from both of your parents.

If you only get one defective gene, you will not have SCD. But, you can pass this gene on to your children.

Risk Factors

Sickle cell disease is most common in people who are Black or have with African ancestry.

Other backgrounds with high risk include Hispanic, Asian Indian, Middle Eastern, and southern European.

Symptoms

Symptoms may be noticed as early as 6 months old. They are different in everyone depending on where problems are in the body. The most common include:

• Fatigue—caused by anemia
• Painful swelling of hands and feet
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes— jaundice
• Belly pain
• Pale skin

Signs of acute chest syndrome (ACS):

• Cough
• Fever
• Breathing problems
• Chest pain
• Fast heart rate

SDC crisis may cause:

• Sudden pain—mainly in the back, chest, arms, or legs
• Pain may be throbbing or sharp
• Pain may be in one place or move around

SCD may cause other serious problems such as a stroke, or painful erections lasting 4 hours or more. These problems need immediate care.

Diagnosis

All newborns have a screening test at birth. Blood tests will show the sickle shaped RBCs and other problems that indicate SCD. You may also have:

• A physical exam
• Genetic testing

Treatment

The goal of care is to lower the chances of health problems. It will include both medical care and lifestyle habits:

Prevention

There is no way to prevent sickle cell disease. If you plan on having a family, talk to your doctor about genetic testing if you're at high risk. If you're pregnant, a prenatal test called amniocentesis can detect SCD before birth.