Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder in which red blood cells (RBCs) are abnormally shaped.
This abnormality can result in painful episodes, serious infections, chronic anemia, and damage to body organs.
These complications can, however, vary from person to person depending on the type of sickle cell disease each has. Some people are relatively healthy and others are hospitalized frequently.
But thanks to advancements in early diagnosis and treatment, most kids born with this disorder grow up to live relatively healthy and productive lives.
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease caused by the presence of an abnormal hemoglobin in red blood cells.
In the United States, the majority of people suffering from sickle cell anemia are African Americans, with approximately 1 in 400 to 500 children affected by the disease.
A number of new therapies are being developed to reduce the severity and painful manifestation of sickle cell anemia. Preventive measures, combined with family education, have greatly diminished both the complication rate and the number of hospital admissions required to treat youngsters with this chronic illness.