Teen with Sickle Cell Disease, Headache and Forehead Swelling

Introduction

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited blood disorder in the USA and globally, with a gradual increase in prevalence (1). SCD continues to impose a significant burden on patients living with this disease in terms of quality of life due to its chronic nature and potential complications including organ damage and chronic pain (2). While recent advancements such as gene therapy with CRSPR technology are promising with improved life expectancy (3,4), timely recognition and management of SCD complications in the emergency department (ED) are essential to relieve immediate symptoms and improve outcomes (5).