Sickle cell anemia

Updated: 2020-01-30

Overview

With sickle cell disease, an inherited group of disorders, red blood cells contort into a sickle shape. They die early, leaving a shortage of healthy red blood cells (sickle cell anemia), and can block blood flow.

Symptoms

Infections, pain, and fatigue are symptoms.

Treatments

Treatments include medications, blood transfusions, and bone marrow transplant.