MedGen

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by intermittent vaso-occlusive events and chronic hemolytic anemia. Vaso-occlusive events result in tissue ischemia leading to acute and chronic pain as well as organ damage that can affect any organ system, including the bones, spleen, liver, brain, lungs, kidneys, and joints. Dactylitis (pain and/or swelling of the hands or feet) is often the earliest manifestation of SCD. In children, the spleen can become engorged with blood cells in a "splenic sequestration." The spleen is particularly vulnerable to infarction and the majority of individuals with SCD who are not on hydroxyurea or transfusion therapy become functionally asplenic in early childhood, increasing their risk for certain types of bacterial infections, primarily encapsulated organisms. Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a major cause of mortality in SCD. Chronic hemolysis can result in varying degrees of anemia, jaundice, cholelithiasis, and delayed growth and sexual maturation as well as activating pathways that contribute to the pathophysiology directly. Individuals with the highest rates of hemolysis are at higher risk for pulmonary artery hypertension, priapism, and leg ulcers and may be relatively protected from vaso-occlusive pain. [from GeneReviews]

A non-neoplastic or neoplastic disorder affecting the arteries, veins, or lymphatic vessels. Examples include vasculitis, thrombophlebitis, arteriosclerosis, lymphedema, hemangioma, and angiosarcoma. [from NCI]

An inherited disorder characterized by structural alterations of a globin chain within the hemoglobin molecule. [from NCI]

A form of hemolytic anemia with congenital onset. [from HPO]

A type of anemia caused by premature destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis). [from HPO]