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Sickle Cell Anemia
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Sickle cell anemia is one of the most common genetic disorders in the United States. With no cure for sickle cell anemia, our specialists at UAMS are dedicated to improving the lives of those who have the disease through our program "Living Well with Sickle Cell."
With this disorder, your blood cells change from the normal, round shape into sickle or crescent moon shaped. Because these cells are sickled, they clump together and become stuck in blood vessels. While the disease is more prevalent in blacks, affecting one out of every 400, people of all racial groups can have sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell disease is usually diagnosed shortly after birth. Symptoms of sickle cell anemia normally don't occur until after the age of four months. Most people with sickle cell feel perfectly fine most of the time. When they do have medical problems, they can become sick quickly and with little warning.
Early recognition and treatment is very important because if you have sickle cell you are at risk of developing life-threatening infections and experiencing other health problems. Almost all patients with the disease have painful episodes, which can last from hours to days. The frequency of the episodes differs from patient to patient.
Some common symptoms of the episodes include:
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- Bone pain
- Breathlessness
- Delayed growth
- Fatigue
At UAMS, we know that when a family member has any chronic disease, it affects the entire family. Our ultimate goal of the "Living Well with Sickle Cell" program is to enhance the lives of patients and families diagnosed with sickle cell disease. We have caring and compassionate team members who are specially trained to work with patients and families over the state.
We offer newborn screening, follow-up care and referrals that include education about the disease. We want more individuals to be educated about the disorder and what they can do to treat it. We offer one-on-one counseling and education to help patients understand and better manage their care. At UAMS, we will work with you to provide an individualized treatment plan.
Please contact us for more information on treatment for sickle cell anemia at UAMS.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Phone
501-682-9910
1-800-342-2923 |
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