Trusted Resources: Evidence & Education
Scientific literature and patient education texts
PH and Sickle Cell Disease
source: Pulmonary Hypertension Association
year: N/A
summary/abstract:Sickle cell disease (SCD), a type of anemia (shortage of red blood cells), is characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells. Sickle cells (named for the sickle, or oblong, slender shape of the malformed blood cells) have decreased flexibility, meaning they break easily. This results in a number of life-long complications.
PH is an increasingly recognized complication of SCD. Studies show that approximately 30% of screened adult patients with SCD develop mild PH in adulthood. In 10% of patients, the PH is more severe. Recent autopsy studies also suggest that up to 75% of sickle cell patients show changes in the lung tissue at the time of death, indicating the existence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
One possible reason sickle cell patients seem to be at risk for developing PH is that increased breakdown of red blood cells within the blood vessels causes inflammation and a decrease of nitric oxide (a substance that causes relaxation of the blood vessels). This causes constriction of the small arteries of the lungs which may lead to PH.
read moreRelated Content
-
Sickle Cell Disease – Tips for Healthy LivingIt is very important that every person o...
-
Today’s Faces of Sickle Cell Disease: Jennelle StephensonJennelle Stephenson was diagnosed with S...
-
An Integrative Review of Factors That Influence Reproductive Decisions in Women With Sickle Cell DiseaseSickle cell disease is one of the most p...
-
Only 21% of Kids with ADHD and SCD Are Treated for Attention DeficitA study of children with sickle cell dis...
-
How sickled red blood cells stick to blood vesselsOne of the most common complications o...
-
Marina Jerebtsova, PhDDr Marina Jerebtsova is an assistant pro...
-
Retinopathy and sickle cellhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1awYgHl...
To improve your experience on this site, we use cookies. This includes cookies essential for the basic functioning of our website, cookies for analytics purposes, and cookies enabling us to personalize site content. By clicking on 'Accept' or any content on this site, you agree that cookies can be placed. You may adjust your browser's cookie settings to suit your preferences. More Information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.