Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder affecting the hemoglobin, where the red blood cells take on an abnormal shape, usually rigid and crescent or "sickle" in appearance. This disease often establishes itself in childhood and most often affects Americans of sub Saharan African descent.

The sickling shape associated with sickle cell anemia also decreases the blood cell's flexibility and leads to a shorter life expectancy. In the 1990's the life expectancy of males with this disease was 42 while females averages slightly higher at 48 years. However, today people are living longer with increased knowledge about this disease and better management. Symptoms can include infections, fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, etc.

Normal red blood cells in healthy individuals are doughnut shaped and quite flexible, thereby allowing easy passage through the blood stream and even the smallest blood vessels whereby oxygen can be delivered to the cells. However, those individual suffering from sickle cell anemia have mutated blood cells that are harder and inflexible and have difficulty passing through the bloodstream.

Currently, it is estimated that more than 70,000 Americans have sickle cell disease. Sickle cell anemia can lead to several conditions with serious complications such as strokes, overwhelming post (auto) splenectomy infection (OPSI), Priapism, Osteomyelitis (bone infection), acute papillary necrosis of the kidneys, pulmonary hypertension, chronic pain, silent strokes, and chronic renal failure.

Serious Sickle cell anemia can lead to an inability of performance of many normal functions of employment and daily living. A physician should evaluate and monitor an individual's condition.

As with other impairments, it's always a good idea to have your treatment records include your symptoms. It is usually a good idea to prepare a list of your symptoms and remind your doctor of the complete list of symptoms which you are experiencing so that they are written as part of your record.


At the Law Offices of Gary Glenn, we have assisted clients who have suffered from Sickle cell anemia which can lead to an inability of performance of many normal functions of employment and daily living.