Sickle cell anemia, an inherited disorder of red blood cells, is a lifelong disease that can cause serious complications in those who have it. The disorder occurs because of malformed red blood cells caused by deformed hemoglobin molecules. These hemoglobin molecules cause blood cells to assume a sickle shape, die more quickly than normal red blood cells and stick to each other and to the sides of blood vessels.
Infections
Children with sickle cell anemia are particularly susceptible to infections, although adults can also be affected. Common diseases that sickle cell patients get include salmonella, parovirus and pneumonia.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension, also known as high blood pressure in the lungs, is a complication that develops in about 1/3 of sickle cell anemia patients.
Blindness
Blockage of the blood vessels leading to the retina by sickle cells can cause destruction of the retina, leading to blindness.
Ulcers
The skin can become ulcerated in sickle cell anemia patients. This often occurs on the legs, leaving visible open wounds.
Gallstones
Gallstones occur in people with sickle cell anemia when bilirubin, a side product of red blood cell breakdown, accumulates in the gallbladder.
Stroke
One of the most serious and potentially deadly complications of sickle cell anemia is stroke. Stroke occurs in sickle cell patients when the malformed blood cells travel to the brain and become lodged there. Stroke can appear as seizures, weak limbs, difficulties in speech, headaches and fainting. Strokes occur in about 10 percent of children who have sickle cell anemia.
Acute Chest Syndrome
Acute chest syndrome begins when sickle cells become stuck in the lungs. Someone afflicted with acute chest syndrome has chest pain and difficulty breathing. Infections can complicate this syndrome, because infectious organisms can further block the lungs and cause them to swell. This complication can be fatal.
Organ Damage
The spleen, liver and kidneys can all become damaged by sickle cell anemia when the deformed blood cells block the blood vessels leading to those organs. If the organs are deprived of blood for a long time, they can incur permanent damage or become completely destroyed. The spleen is most commonly affected, presenting as a sudden enlargement of the spleen from a buildup of blood behind a blocked vessel.
Priapism
Priapism is a condition in men in which the sickle cells block the vessels leading to the penis, leading to painful continuous erections. Priapism can lead to damage of the penile tissue and eventually to impotence.
