Sickle Cell Disease
What is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a blood condition people are born with. It affects red blood cells, which carry oxygen through the body.
Normal red blood cells are round and flexible. This helps them move easily through blood vessels. In SCD, red blood cells can become stiff and curved like a “C” or sickle shape. These cells can stick together and block blood flow. When this happens, less oxygen gets to the body.
This can cause severe pain, damage to organs, and other serious health problems.
How Sickle Cell Is Inherited
SCD is passed down from parents through genes.
- Each parent gives one gene to their child.
- Both parents must have either sickle cell trait or SCD for their child to have a chance of having SCD.
- If a child gets one normal gene and one sickle gene, they have the sickle cell trait. People with the trait usually do not get sick but can pass the gene to their children.
- If a child gets two sickle cell genes, they will have sickle cell disease.
If both parents have the trait, each time they have a child:
- 1 in 4 chance the child has SCD
- 1 in 2 chance the child has sickle cell trait
- 1 in 4 chance the child has normal red blood cells
A simple blood test can show if someone has sickle cell trait.
Sickle cell trait is more common in people with African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and South Asian backgrounds because having one S mutation provides protection against malaria, a serious infection found in those regions. Over many generations, this survival advantage made the sickle cell gene more common in these populations. In the United States, most people with SCD are Black or African American.
Symptoms and Complications
Signs often start when a baby is about 5 or 6 months old.
Common problems include:
- Low red blood cell levels (anemia)
- Pain episodes
- Higher risk of infection
- Organ damage over time
- Slow growth
- Higher risk of stroke
Management and Treatment
A simple blood test can check for sickle cell trait or disease. All babies in the United States are tested at birth. If results show SCD or the trait, the family and the child's doctor are notified.
SCD is a lifelong condition. Each person's experience is different. With the right care and support, many people live full lives.
Talk with your doctor or a genetic counselor to learn more about your options and how to manage your health.
How Bronson Supports Patients
Bronson offers care for people with sickle cell disease from childhood through adulthood. Our care team includes:
- Hematologists
- Nurses
- Social Workers
- Dietitians
- Physical and occupational therapists
- Pediatric psychologist
We have also recently added a dedicated SCD nurse care coordinator position. This person will help guide patients and families through care, from diagnosis to adult services. They will also connect patients to helpful resources and support.
Care Locations
Bronson Oncology & Hematology Specialists
Located inside Bronson Cancer Center in Kalamazoo, for adult patients
Bronson Pediatric Oncology & Hematology Specialists
Located at Bronson Children’s Hospital in Kalamazoo, for pediatric patients
Additional Resources
- Bronson's Pediatric Sickle Cell Center is one of two accredited pediatric centers in Michigan.
- The Michigan Chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association offers education, support and advocacy.
- Community Health Worker and Patient Advocate for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Michigan Chapter: Melanie Greer, B.S., (269) 363-7637.
- Patients of all ages with SCD may qualify for Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS). This program helps cover care costs related to sickle cell disease. Learn more on their website or call (800) 359-3722.
- Bronson is one of only a few sites in the state selected to be part of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Sickle Cell Clinic Expansion and Enhancement Program. Through this grant program, Bronson is working hard to improve the care of patients with SCD.
