Complication of Sickle cell anemia

Stroke in the brain

A stroke is a vaso-occlusive event that occurs when blood flow to the brain becomes blocked by sickled red blood cells, preventing the brain from getting the oxygen it needs to function; 1 out of 4 adults with sickle cell (25%) will experience a stroke by the age of 45.

Acute chest syndrome (ACS)

CS is a vaso-occlusive event that occurs when not enough oxygen can get to the lungs when the blood vessels of the lungs become blocked by sickled red blood cells. If a person with sickle cell has a drop in oxygen levels, a cough, or difficulty breathing—particularly with a fever—they should be checked for this complication. ACS severity increases with age, and more than 10% of adult cases either cause death or are complicated by neurological events and organ failure. ACS can or will affect approximately 30% of people living with sickle cell.

Liver complications (hepatic sequestration)
Liver complications occur when sickled red blood cells become trapped and prevent proper blood flow through the liver, causing it to enlarge over a short period of time. It is reported that approximately 10% of people with sickle cell experience liver complications during a vaso-occlusive crisis.

Pain crisis in the hands and feet (dactylitis)

Dactylitis is a result of blocked blood vessels and causes painful swelling of the hands and feet, especially in young children. Approximately 30% of children with the hemoglobin SS form of sickle cell—the most common type—will have dactylitis within the first 3 years of life, with two-thirds occurring between 6 months and 2 years of age. Experiencing dactylitis after the age of 5 is less common.