There is no cure for sickle cell anemia. However, treatments can relieve most levels of pain.
"Sickle cell anemia affects multiple systems in the body, so it is essential that our patients have access to those team of experts working together and participating in ongoing consultation," says David Miller, MD, chief of hematology and medical oncology at Levine Cancer Institute. "Carolinas HealthCare System is actively developing such teams to include a primary care physician, a hematologist, a social worker and a nurse. Such connected teams are the best way we envision treating sickle cell anemia patients in non-emergent environments throughout our System."
Sickle Cell Anemia Facts:
About 1,000 babies are born each year in the United States with sickle cell anemia.
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited form of anemia – a condition in which there aren’t enough healthy blood cells to carry adequate oxygen throughout the body.
Symptoms include episodes of pain; swollen hands and feet; frequent infections; delayed growth and vision problems.
The gene causing sickle cell Anemia is more common in families that come from Africa, the Mediterranean, Saudi Arabia and select areas in South and Central America. In the U.S., it most commonly affects African Americans and Hispanics.
There is no known cure for most people with sickle cell anemia. However, treatments can relieve pain and help prevent future problems associated with the disease.