Google
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 more
+myBinderRelated Content
-
Sickle cell disease and albuminuria: recent advances in our understanding of sickle cell nephropathyAlbuminuria is considered to be a releva...
-
Fentanyl Buccal Tablet: A New Breakthrough Pain Medication in Early Management of Severe Vaso-Occlusive Crisis in Si...BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is...
-
Sickle cell gene linked to elevated risk of developing kidney failureNew research indicates that being born w...
-
A multiple drug approach to preventing sickle cell crisisSickle cell disease is characterized by ...
-
When Cracking Down On Opioids Means Tougher Access For Sickle Cell PatientsMany people with sickle cell disease wil...
-
Black Americans With Sickle Cell Trait At Increased Risk Of Kidney DiseaseAfrican Americans with sickle cell trait...
-
The Role of Sleep Impairments on Pain Severity in Adults With Sickle Cell DiseaseSleep is a complex process and impairmen...
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.
Powered by
Support for this site is provided by
This platform is made possible through a partnership with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) and its member organizations. SCDAA's mission is to advocate for people affected by sickle cell conditions and empower community-based organizations to maximize quality of life and raise public consciousness while advancing the search for a universal cure.