Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that affect hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. Red blood cells are usually disc-shaped and flexible enough to move easily through blood vessels. In sickle cell disease, a genetic mutation causes red blood cells to take on a crescent or “sickle” shape. These sickle cells don’t bend or move easily, so they can block blood flow to other parts of the body.
When blood flow in the body is blocked, serious problems can occur, including strokes, eye problems, infections, and episodes of pain called pain crises.
Sickle cell disease is a lifelong disease.a Bone marrow transplantation It is currently the only treatment for sickle cell disease. Gene therapy is being investigated as another potential treatment, but there are other effective treatments as well. Treatment What can be reduced is symptoms and prolong life. If you have sickle cell disease, your health care team will work with you to develop a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms. Manage state.
This condition affects more than 100,000 people in the United States and more than 20 million people worldwide. In the United States, most people with sickle cell disease are of African descent or identify as black.
- Approximately 1 in 13 black or African American babies are born with sickle cell trait.
- Approximately 1 in 365 black or African American babies are born with sickle cell disease.
Many people of Hispanic, Southern European, Middle Eastern, or Asian Indian descent also have sickle cell disease.
NHLBI leads and supports research and clinical trials to find treatments for sickle cell disease.
fact sheet
Sickle Cell Disease Fact Sheet
Learn the basics about sickle cell disease, including symptoms and treatments.
