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 preven...