Resumen
What is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited lifelong blood disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells. This disease affects people primarily of African and Hispanic descent.
Our red blood cells contain hemoglobin A, which carries oxygen to tissues in our body. In SCD, the hemoglobin found in red blood cells is different. It is called hemoglobin S. Red blood cells with hemoglobin S do not live as long as red blood cells with hemoglobin A. This means someone with hemoglobin S may not have enough red blood cells to bring oxygen and nutrients to the tissues in the body.
Hemoglobin S can cause the red blood cells to become crescent (sickle) shaped. When this happens, it becomes very difficult for red blood cells to make their way through small blood vessels and into tissues that need oxygen and nutrients. When tissues are unable to receive blood flow and nutrients, they can become damaged.
How common is sickle cell disease?
- SCD affects approximately 100.000 Americans
- SCD occurs in about 1 out of every 365 Black or African-American births
- SCD occurs in about 1 out of every 16.300 Hispanic-American births
Questions regarding sickle cell disease?
You can reach the Accredo sickle cell disease care team, anytime, day or night, seven days a week, by phone or online.
Centro de Servicio al Cliente
Síntomas
What are the symptoms of sickle cell disease?
Anemia (not enough healthy red blood cells)
- Fatigue; pale skin, lips or nailbeds
- Tiredness
- Feeling lightheaded
- Fast heartbeat
- Difficulty paying attention
- Swelling of the hands and feet that may be painful
- The skin or white of the eyes may look yellow
- Getting infections often
Symptoms of sickle cell crisis, when blood vessels to a part of the body are blocked by abnormally shaped red blood cells:
- Dolor: May start suddenly; could feel dull, stabbing, throbbing, or sharp
- Shortness of breath and/or pain when breathing
- Extreme tiredness
- Headache or dizziness
- Alucinaciones
- Painful erections in males
- Difficulty moving parts of your body
- Yellowish skin color
How is sickle cell disease diagnosed?
Infants and children with SCD are at risk of infection and other health problems, so early diagnosis and treatment are important.
SCD can be diagnosed before a baby is born, while it is still inside the mother’s body. This can be done by testing some of the amniotic fluid around the baby or testing a tiny piece of the placenta.
After birth, a simple blood test can find SCD. This test may be done as part of newborn screening tests (in the U.S.) or anytime after the baby goes home from the hospital.
Medicamentos
Anemia drepanocítica
The following specialty medications are available at Accredo, a specialty pharmacy for sickle cell disease.
Financiación de su atención
Es posible que haya asistencia financiera disponible para ayudarlo con los costos de sus medicamentos, incluidos programas de los fabricantes y programas comunitarios. Los especialistas de Accredo están disponibles para ayudarlo a encontrar un programa que funcione para usted.
Recursos económicos comunitarios
Fundación Healthwell (Healthwell Foundation) | 800-675-8416
Orientación financiera
Los medicamentos de especialidad que salvan vidas pueden ser costosos. Conozca en este video cómo los equipos Accredo ayudan a las personas a encontrar formas de costear el medicamento que necesitan para sobrevivir.
Encuentre apoyo
Sickle Cell Disease Organizations
There are many organizations that support research and advocacy for Sickle Cell Disease. Consulte a continuación algunas de estas organizaciones.
Organizaciones de apoyo
- Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc | 800-421-8453
- American Sickle Cell Anemia Association | 216-229-8600
- Sociedad Estadounidense de Hematología (American Society of Hematology) | 202-776-0544
Organizaciones gubernamentales
Conozca al equipo
Accredo’s sickle cell disease care team is dedicated to serving you and we understand the complexity of your condition. Our specialty trained clinicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer any questions.
Por qué lo hacemos
Accredo brinda apoyo a pacientes con afecciones crónicas y complejas, y los ayuda a vivir mejor su vida. Mire nuestro video para conocer por qué hacemos lo que hacemos por nuestros pacientes.