Sickle Cell Anaemia

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder in which the red blood cells can become crescent-shaped like a moon or sickle. Red blood cells should be shaped like a disc that looks like a doughnut with a hole filled. This doughnut shape allows red blood cells to flow freely and survive longer in the blood vessels. Sickle-shaped red blood cells do not survive as long as normal red blood cells. They can also clog the blood vessels, blocking blood flow to an organ or tissue. A combination of a low blood count (anaemia) and blood vessel blockage is responsible for the complications of sickle cell disease.

Yes, there are four common types of sickle cell disease. The most common form is haemoglobin SS. The second most common form is haemoglobin SC. The other two types of the disease are sickle beta-zero thalassemia and sickle beta-plus thalassemia. Haemoglobin SS and sickle beta-zero thalassemia are considered the most severe types and are sometimes referred to as sickle cell anaemia.

Anaemia, or low blood levels, occurs in all forms of sickle cell disease. Some children may only have mild anaemia, but others will have severe anaemia. The anaemia can cause a child to feel fatigued or tired and can affect physical and mental growth as well. The most common and well-known complication is pain crisis. Pain crises occur when sickle cells block blood flow to a portion of a bone, and they can require visits to the sickle cell clinic or emergency room or even require admission to the hospital for treatment. Additionally, patients can develop a variety of problems with virtually all organs of the body as they get older. It is important to be aware that sickle cell disease is a chronic condition and, like high blood pressure or diabetes, can cause ongoing damage to the body even when the patient does not feel ill.