Main complications

• What it is: This is the most common complication of sickle cell disease, caused by the sickle-shaped cells blocking blood flow in small blood vessels. It leads to severe pain in the bones, chest, and joints.

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• Impact: Pain crises can range from mild to severe, sometimes requiring hospitalization and strong pain management.

• What it is: A life-threatening complication where sickle cells block blood vessels in the lungs, leading to symptoms similar to pneumonia (chest pain, cough, difficulty breathing, fever).

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• Impact: It is a major cause of death in people with sickle cell disease and requires immediate medical attention, often with oxygen, fluids, and antibiotics

• What it is: Blockages in the blood vessels leading to the brain can cause a stroke, which can result in long-term disabilities or death.

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• Impact: Children with sickle cell disease have a higher risk of stroke, and regular blood transfusions can sometimes help lower this risk.

• What it is: People with sickle cell disease are more prone to infections, especially bacterial infections like pneumonia and meningitis, because the spleen is often damaged or poorly functioning.

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• Impact: Infections can be life-threatening, which is why preventive antibiotics and vaccinations are critical for people with sickle cell disease.

• What it is: Sickle cells break down more quickly than normal red blood cells (10-20 days vs. 120 days), leading to chronic anemia (low red blood cell count).

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• Impact: This can result in fatigue, weakness, and delayed growth in children.

• What it is: Over time, blockages in the blood vessels can damage organs, including the liver, kidneys, spleen, and heart. This is due to insufficient oxygen reaching these vital organs.

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• Impact: Organ failure can occur, leading to chronic complications and sometimes death.

• What it is: Increased blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs can develop over time, making it harder for the heart to pump blood through the lungs.

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• Impact: Pulmonary hypertension can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and heart problems.

• What it is: Prolonged, painful erections in males due to blocked blood flow in the penis.

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• Impact: Priapism can cause permanent damage if left untreated and may lead to erectile dysfunction.

• What it is: Sickle cells can block blood flow to the small vessels in the eyes, leading to damage to the retina and loss of vision (sickle cell retinopathy).

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• Impact: In severe cases, it can cause blindness if not treated.

• What it is: The rapid breakdown of red blood cells in sickle cell disease increases bilirubin levels, which can lead to the formation of gallstones.

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• Impact: Gallstones can cause pain and may require surgery

• What it is: Children with sickle cell disease often grow more slowly and reach puberty later than their peers due to chronic anemia and other complications.

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• Impact: This can affect overall development and emotional well-being.

• What it is: Poor blood circulation due to blocked blood vessels can cause painful sores (ulcers) on the legs, particularly in older individuals with sickle cell disease.

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• Impact: These ulcers are often slow to heal and can become infected.

• What it is: A condition where reduced blood flow to the bones (especially in the hips and shoulders) leads to bone tissue death.

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• Impact: It can cause joint pain and mobility issues, often requiring surgical intervention like joint replacement.