Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a serious genetic blood disorder that affects approximately 70,000 – 100,000 Americans, including one out of every 500 African Americans and one out of every 36,000 Hispanic Americans. Persons with SCD produce red blood cells that become “sickle-shaped” and obstruct blood vessels,
leading to life-long anemia, organ damage, increased potential for infections, and chronic pain. As recently as 30 years ago, children with SCD usually did not survive into adulthood. Now, as a result of advances in screening and treatment, more than 90% of individuals with SCD reach adulthood, and life expectancy is typically into the fifth decade.
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Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a serious genetic blood disorder that affects approximately 70,000 – 100,000 Americans, including one out of every 500 African Americans and one out of every 36,000 Hispanic Americans. Persons with SCD produce red blood cells that become “sickle-shaped” and obstruct blood vessels,
leading to life-long anemia, organ damage, increased potential for infections, and chronic pain. As recently as 30 years ago, children with SCD usually did not survive into adulthood. Now, as a result of advances in screening and treatment, more than 90% of individuals with SCD reach adulthood, and life expectancy is typically into the fifth decade.