Cardiomegaly, or having an enlarged heart, is a significant manifestation and a direct complication of sickle cell disease. It’s a common sign of cardiovascular issues and is more prevalent in adult patients. Sickle cell disease itself is a chronic state of anemic that occurs as a result…

Living with sickle cell disease for nearly 38 years has taken me through various phases: an initial phase of cluelessness about sickle cell complications, a phase marked by fear of those potential complications, and the current phase, in which I’ve managed to conquer that fear. During my childhood…

A clinical project designed to test whether masitinib, AB Science’s experimental oral therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD), can resolve complications associated with the inherited disorder has been awarded €9.2 million (about $10 million) in public funding in France. The funding comes as part of a larger investment of €160…

In discussions about sickle cell disease, the term “sickle cell trait” is often bandied about. But what does it mean? Scientists have found that sickle cell trait originated as an evolutionary response to malaria, one of the deadliest illnesses in tropical regions. The trait offers natural protection…

When a sickle cell patient mentions a crisis, most people think of a painful, vaso-occlusive crisis. I can understand why — it’s by far one of the most common complications of sickle cell disease. However, it’s not the only complication that can occur.  One day when I was…

To inform sickle cell disease (SCD) patients and their caregivers about blood transfusions, which are commonly used to treat the disorder, the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) is launching a set of educational materials. The pictorial booklet for children, and companion brochure for parents and caregivers,…

Dealing with sickle cell disease is a constant battle. In every moment, I either am fighting my way out of a painful crisis or fighting to stay out of a crisis. There is no rest. I can’t take my foot off the gas. I can’t decide one…

California’s legislature has committed $15 million toward sweeping enhancement of adult sickle cell disease (SCD) care in a state with historically underserved patients. The initiative is intended to improve care largely through creation of a statewide network of regional adult SCD clinics modeled after the newly opened clinic…

Women with sickle cell disease have a high risk of complications during pregnancy, according to new research from French Guiana. The findings also show that women with the more severe SS-type sickle cell disease are more likely to have premature babies, and to suffer health problems themselves, than women with…