Trusted Resources: Evidence & Education
Scientific literature and patient education texts
Sickle Cell Disease
source: Johns Hopkins Medicine
year: N/A
summary/abstract:Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder. It is marked by flawed hemoglobin. That’s the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body. So, sickle cell disease interferes with the delivery of oxygen to the tissues.
Red blood cells with normal hemoglobin are smooth, disk-shaped, and flexible, like doughnuts without holes. They can move through the blood vessels easily. Cells with sickle cell hemoglobin are stiff and sticky. When they lose their oxygen, they form into the shape of a sickle or crescent, like the letter C. These cells stick together and can’t easily move through the blood vessels. This can block small blood vessels and the movement of healthy, normal oxygen-carrying blood. The blockage can cause pain.
Normal red blood cells can live up to 120 days. But, sickle cells only live for about 10 to 20 days. Also, sickle cells may be destroyed by the spleen because of their shape and stiffness. The spleen helps filter the blood of infections. Sickled cells get stuck in this filter and die. With less healthy red blood cells circulating in the body, you can become chronically anemic. The sickled cells also damage the spleen. This puts you are at greater at risk for infections.
read more
Related Content
-
Sickle Cell Anemia and the EyesSickle cell anemia is a heritable diseas...
-
Sickle Cell Disease and Its Toll Compared in Different Age Groups in StudyDifferences in comorbidities, pain, heal...
-
A systematic review of the literature for severity predictors in children with sickle cell anemiaAll patients with HbSS (SCA) share the s...
-
Researchers Identify Genetic Predictors of Sickle Cell Anemia-Related ComplicationsPatients with sickle cell anemia who do ...
-
Sickle Cell Summer Enrichment Camp: Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell AgencyPiedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell...
-
Sickle cell + History: An episode of the sickle cell podcastThe Sickle Cell Podcast is an effort by ...
-
SCDAA Partners With Phi Beta Sigma FraternityThe Sickle Cell Disease Association of A...
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.