What is the treatment for sickle cell anemia?

Bone marrow transplant, also known as stem cell transplant, offers the only potential cure for sickle cell anemia. It's usually reserved for people younger than age 16 because the risks increase for people older than 16. read more

People with sickle cell disease (SCD) start to have signs of the disease during the first year of life, usually around 5 months of age. Symptoms and complications of SCD are different for each person and can range from mild to severe. read more

Hemoglobin SS, also called sickle cell anemia, is usually the most severe type of this disorder. Other common forms include: Hemoglobin SC (usually mild) Hemoglobin Sβ thalassemia; Rare types are: Hemoglobin SD; Hemoglobin SE; Hemoglobin SO; In the U.S., newborn screening programs require that all babies are tested for sickle cell disease shortly after birth. read more

Sickle cell anemia, or sickle cell disease (SCD), is a genetic disease of the red blood cells (RBCs). Normally, RBCs are shaped like discs, which gives them the flexibility to travel through even the smallest blood vessels. However, with this disease, the RBCs have an abnormal crescent shape resembling a sickle. read more