News

In September, All Children's Hospital observes Sickle Cell Awareness Month. In the common variations of this inherited blood disorder, the red blood cells change shape - from a round shape to a "c" or "sickle" shape, causing red blood cells to clump together, and interferes with the normal circulation of healthy, oxygenated blood through the patient's body.

Did you know...

• Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited condition that causes red blood cells to break easily.
• Patients have a lower than normal number of red blood cells (anemia).
• Chronic anemia can cause fatigue, decreased stamina and poor exercise tolerance.
• Red blood cells can become rigid (sickle) and block blood flow past the point of sickling.
• Sickling results in pain crises and can cause injury to the bones, lungs, spleen and other organs.
• Patients also have a higher risk of bacterial infection and must seek urgent medical care for fever.
• Patients benefit from education about their illness and regular medical check ups.
• All Children's Hospital provides comprehensive preventative care to Sickle Cell patients. 

Learn more about Sickle Cell Disease in our Health Information library, and hear all about Joshua, a Sickle Cell patient featured in this year's Telethon!