What Is the Prognosis for a Person With Sickle Cell Disease?

Sickle cell disease, or sickle cell anemia, is an inherited type of anemia where the red blood cells are abnormally shaped, rigid and sticky, so they get stuck in blood vessels, slowing or blocking the blood flow and oxygen to parts of the body. It is a lifelong condition and is not curable but is treatable.

Types

• In sickle cell disease, there is a wide variety of levels of sickness. Some people will only have a minor episode a year, while others may have more severe symptoms and a monthly crisis situation. Treatments and prognosis depend on the patient's particular situation and health level.

Medical Complications

• Sickle cell disease may cause other health problems that can significantly affect a person's prognosis including infections, stroke, pulmonary hypertension, kidney ailments, gallbladder disease, spleen problems, bone and joint problems, retina damage and leg sores or ulcers.

Acute Chest Syndrome

• One serious potential complication for a sickle cell anemia patient is acute chest syndrome, as it is a serious and possibly a fatal episode. It occurs during a sickle cell crisis (a painful condition resulting from the body requiring additional oxygen) and causes the lung tissues to be deprived of oxygen and is the most common condition at a sickle cell patient's time of death.

Stroke Risk

• Another deadly complication that is more common in sickle cell patients compared to the non-sickle cell population is stroke, occurring in eight to ten percent of sickle cell patients. After acute chest syndrome it is the main killer.(reference 3)

Overall Prognosis

• With newer and more aggressive treatment options available now, the life expectancy of a person with sickle cell disease is 50 years, with women living longer on average than men. In 1974, the life expectancy was only 14 years.