Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is not contagious. It is a genetically inherited disease that affects the red blood cells. Normal red blood cells are round, but sickled red blood cells are crescent shaped. There are many people living with sickle cell, but it can be fatal. Usually people with the disease die between the ages of 20 and 40 due to organ complications. Red blood cells contain a special protein called hemoglobin (Hb) that carries oxygen from the …

…other new therapies, including hydroxyurea, for reducing the severity and frequency of complications of the disease are also being tried(Sickle, 2). Limiting the damage to the organs through medical care also improves the survival and the quality of life for many affected people. Scientists say that gene therapy may someday have a cure at less risk as well. Many organizations, such as the March of Dimes, have been major supporters of sickle cell disease research.