Sickle cell disease, also known as sickle cell anemia, is a group of disorders that affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body. People with this disease have atypical hemoglobin molecules which can distort red blood cells into a sickle, or crescent, shape. These cells do not last as long as normal, round, red blood cells, which leads to anemia (low number of red blood cells). The sickle cells also get stuck in blood vessels, blocking blood flow. Signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease usually begin in early childhood and may include anemia, repeated infections, and periodic episodes of pain.
Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease: Common Questions Answered
During National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Elizabeth Castro, APN, MSN, CCRN, pediatric advanced practice nurse at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey shares some information about the disease. Read more
Living With Sickle Cell Disease
Dr. Cole and Dr. Drachtman discuss living with sickle cell disease in this video series. Watch here