What is the life expectancy for sickle cell anemia?

With a national median life expectancy of 42–47 years, people with sickle cell disease (SCD) face many challenges, including severe pain episodes, stroke, and organ damage.

How are the organs affected by sickle cell disease?

Any and all major organs are affected by sickle cell disease. The liver, heart, kidneys, gallbladder, eyes, bones, and joints can suffer damage from the abnormal function of the sickle cells and their inability to flow through the small blood vessels correctly. Problems may include the following:

What kind of red blood cells have a sickle shape?

Sickle cell anemia is a disease in which the body produces abnormally shaped red blood cells that have a crescent or sickle shape.

How is sickle cell disease diagnosed and treated?

Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of complications. Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a blood test that can determine if a person is a carrier of sickle cell, or has any of the diseases associated with the sickle cell gene. How is sickle cell disease treated?

What happens when sickle cells pool in the spleen?

Crises are a result of sickle cells pooling in the spleen. This can cause a sudden drop in hemoglobin and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. The spleen can also become enlarged and painful from the increase in blood volume.

Any and all major organs are affected by sickle cell disease. The liver, heart, kidneys, gallbladder, eyes, bones, and joints can suffer damage from the abnormal function of the sickle cells and their inability to flow through the small blood vessels correctly. Problems may include the following:

Sickle cell anemia is a disease in which the body produces abnormally shaped red blood cells that have a crescent or sickle shape.

How is the spleen affected by sickle cell anaemia?

Because of its narrow vessels and function in clearing defective red blood cells, the spleen is frequently affected. It is usually infarcted before the end of childhood in individuals suffering from sickle cell anaemia.

How long can red blood cells live in sickle cell disease?

This can block small blood vessels and the movement of healthy, normal oxygen-carrying blood. The blockage can cause pain. Normal red blood cells can live up to 120 days. But, sickle cells only live for about 10 to 20 days. Also, sickle cells may be destroyed by the spleen because of their shape and stiffness.