Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that causes the distortion, or “sickling,” of red blood cells. It occurs when a child like our poster child for 2007/8, Neneh-Iye inherits a sickle cell gene from each parent.

SCD affects millions of people throughout the world, in countries such as West and Central Africa, South America, Cuba, Central America, India, Middle East and Mediterranean countries. It is particularly common among people of African ancestry. In Canada, approximately 1 in 600 have the disease and approximately 1 in 10 people are carriers of the sickle cell trait.

In SCD, the red blood cells contain an abnormal type of hemoglobin. Unlike normal red blood cells that are usually smooth and donut-shaped, these red blood cells become stiff and assume a sickle-shape (crescent shaped) and have difficulty passing through small blood vessels. When sickle-shaped cells block small blood vessels, less blood can reach that part of the body. The sickle cells also block the flow of blood through vessels resulting in pain episodes (arms, legs, chest and abdomen) lung tissue damage (acute chest syndrome) and strokes. Oftentimes, their illness causes them to be absent from school for extended period of time.

Children who have SCD often experience periods of “crisis,” acutely painful episodes of symptoms such as fever and swelling of the joints. These symptoms usually manifest when a child is about two years old.

Other related medical complications include pneumonia, blood and respiratory infections that can lead to permanent physical disabilities. Even with constant care and medical supervision, sickle cell disease can be fatal.

Currently, there is no known cure for SCD. However, effective medical care, such as painkillers and blood transfusions, make it possible for those who have the disease to better cope with the complications.

For more information about Sickle Cell Disease, please contact:
The Sickle Cell Association of Ontario
3199 Bathurst Street
North York, ON
M6A 2B2
Phone: (416) 789-2855