Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that occurs when the protein called hemoglobin is defective.  Hemoglobin is the protein in the red blood cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body.

Sickle cell disease affects millions of people throughout the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States, 90,000 to 100,000 people are affected. This disease primarily affects minorities of African descent, Hispanics of the Caribbean and those of Middle-Eastern and Indian descent.

“About one in every 12 African Americans carries the sickle gene (but doesn’t have the disease), and about one in every 500 babies has sickle cell disease,” says Clinton Joiner, MD, PhD, director, division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Sickle cell disease has no widely available cure except for bone marrow transplantation.  However; treatments can help with symptoms and complications of the disease. With proper care and treatment, many people who have the disease can have an improved quality of life.

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest these tips to help those living with sickle cell disease stay healthy as possible.

·         Learn what triggers painful events

·         Find good medical care

·         Get regular checkups

·         Take steps to prevent and control infections

·         Adopt or maintain a healthy lifestyle

o   Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day

o   Eat healthier foods

o   Participate in physical activity and be active, but don’t overdo it

·         Learn ways to cope with pain

·         Involve the child’s school

·         Look for clinical studies for new medicines and treatments

·         Look for a support group in your area to help with the ongoing stress

“Parents and children can utilize resources at the Cincinnati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center to learn more about living with sickle cell disease.  The Center holds several educational programs for children and families throughout the year to provide education about sickle cell disease.  It also provides tools to help families cope with sickle cell.  These include social work and psychology support,” says Lisa Shook, Project Director for Ohio Department of Health Regional Sickle Cell Program at Cincinnati Children’s.

About Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center ranks third in the nation among all Honor Roll hospitals in U.S.News and World Report's 2011 Best Children's Hospitals ranking. It is ranked #1 for gastroenterology and in the top 10 for all pediatric specialties - a distinction shared by only two other pediatric hospitals in the United States. Cincinnati Children's is one of the top two recipients of pediatric research grants from the National Institutes of Health. It is internationally recognized for improving child health and transforming delivery of care through fully integrated, globally recognized research, education and innovation. Additional information can be found at www.cincinnatichildrens.org.