SICKLE CELL DISEASE

Sickle Cell Disease is a group of life-threatening, inherited disorders that affect the normal functioning of red blood cells. There are four common syndromes of this disease which includes Sickle Cell Anemia, Sickle Cell Hemoglobin, Sickle Beta Thalassemia, and Sickle Trait. But when people hear about the disease, they usually relate it to sickle cell anemia, which is the most severe form of sickle cell disease.

Sickle Cell Disease can be diagnosed by performing a blood test that can check for haemoglobin S – the defective form of haemoglobin that underlies sickle cell anemia. In Ontario, this blood test is part of routine of newborn screening. Common symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease include severe abdominal and bone pain, joint swelling pain, splenic sequestration, aplastic anaemia, organ damage and infection.  Individuals affected with Sickle Cell Disease may also experience serious respiratory infections.  Although Sickle Cell Disease is not curable, it can be managed by patients, their families and healthcare professionals with proper education and training.

For more information, visit website of Sickle Cell Association of Ontario at  https://sicklecellontario.ca. Founded in 1981, the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario (SCAO) is a community-based, volunteer run, charitable organization based in Toronto, that provides support and resources for individuals, families and communities affected by Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) throughout Ontario utilizing our C.A.R.E. Model: Counseling, Advocacy, Raising Awareness, and Education.