In the U.S., having sickle cell disease (SCD) continues to place a heavy clinical burden on patients, who often require multiple medications, frequent blood transfusions, and the use of opioids to control pain. Most individuals with SCD report high barriers to healthcare, with poor access to treatments and little…
Discussion
“When can I tell my child that they have sickle cell disease?” As a physician living with the condition, this remains one of the most frequent questions I receive from parents and caregivers. Many parents delay that conversation until their children reach their teenage years or older. Some only…
Newborns with sickle cell trait (SCT), meaning they carry a mutation in one copy of the HBB gene but do not have sickle cell disease (SCD), show abnormalities in certain biological markers that can be detected within the first week after birth, a new study reports. Differences were found in markers…
A blood test measuring levels of the protein cystatin C may provide a more reliable way to monitor for kidney problems in children and young adults with sickle cell disease (SCD), a small study suggests. Data showed that commonly used formulas based on creatinine-to-protein ratio, a well-established kidney…
Becoming educated and informed about sickle cell disease is a good first step. Here you’ll find general information about the disease, including diagnosis, symptoms, and causes.
It helps to know others have been where you are now. Here’s a collection of our columnists’ words of wisdom to help you along on your sickle cell disease journey.
A stem cell transplant is the only potential cure for sickle cell disease, but there are a variety of other treatment approaches. Here you can find more information about current treatments as well as experimental therapies in the pipeline.
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