Sickle Cell Disease (also called Sickle Cell Anemia) is a group of red blood cell disorders you have inherited and are born with. Sickle cell Disease is caused by an abnormal form of Hemoglobin. This is the part of your red blood cell that carries oxygen around the body and keeps your vital organs working. In Sickle Cell Disease, the abnormal Hemoglobin (HbS) is not able to work properly. The red blood cells become stiff and block up the blood vessels in your body, causing pain and damage. They become destroyed fairly quickly, leading to anemia and other complications. Currently there is no universal cure for Sickle Cell Disease.
The life expectancy of persons with this condition was estimated to be 42 years in males and 48 years in females[1], but today, thanks to better disease management, patients can live well into their 70s or beyond.
The life expectancy of persons with this condition was estimated to be 42 years in males and 48 years in females[1], but today, thanks to better disease management, patients can live well into their 70s or beyond.
