Sickle cell anemia is a condition in which there is an abnormally low red blood cell count, and these blood cells assume a sickled shape. Typically, red blood cells contain a pigment called hemoglobin that works to carry oxygen throughout the body. When red blood cells are sickled, they are unable to carry enough oxygen, leading to such symptoms as pain in the chest, stomach and joints, visual problems and frequent infection, says the Mayo Clinic. There are also specific complications of sickle cell anemia.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension refers to a complication in which the blood vessels in the lungs are severely constricted. According to MedlinePlus, manifestations of pulmonary hypertension include chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, fainting and leg swelling. It can also cause trouble breathing (especially during activity), weakness and lightheadedness. The Mayo Clinic says that 33 percent of people suffering from sickle cell anemia will develop pulmonary hypertension. If this condition is left untreated, heart failure can result. Unfortunately, there is no cure for pulmonary hypertension, and treatments typically focus on relieving symptoms. Bosentan, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, sildenafil and prostacyclin are some of the many available treatment options. Blood thinners can decrease the risk of developing blood clots in the legs and lungs. In severe cases, a lung or heart transplant may be needed.
Priapism
Priapism is a serious condition in which men have an erection that lasts for longer than four hours. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 42 percent of those suffering with sickle cell disease develop priapism. This situation results when the sickled red blood cells obstruct the vessels in the penis. Blood is unable to drain out of the penis, and a persistent and painful erection results. Treatment for priapism includes applying ice packs to the penis to reduce swelling. Additional treatments include having a physician insert a needle into the penis to drain the blood. This is medically called aspiration. In some cases, your doctor may decide to surgically place a shunt into your penis so that blood flow is directed out of the penis.
Other Complications
The Mayo Clinic says that sickle cell anemia can lead to stroke, acute chest syndrome, organ damage, blindness, gallstones and skin ulcerations. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes obstructed with sickled red blood cells. Stroke signs include sudden numbness or tingling either on the right or left side of the body, a sudden and severe headache, and loss of consciousness. Acute chest syndrome is another potentially fatal condition in which the sickled cells gather and obstruct lung blood vessels. Symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and fever. The Mayo Clinic says that blood transfusions, antibiotics and other medications can be utilized to clear the blood vessels in the lungs. Sickled cells can also obstruct blood vessels in the kidneys, spleen and liver. Blindness occurs when the sickled cells obstruct the blood vessels in the eyes. Gallstones occur as a result of red blood cell breakdown.
