Sickle cell disease is a progressive disease that can result in multiple organ damage over time starting in childhood
Younger people are at risk of progressive organ damage by the time they reach their early adult years
Within the first 10 years of shifting to adult care, there is more rapid worsening in organ damage with a death rate of up to 20%
50% of people have irreversible organ damage affecting at least one organ by the age of 50
Iron overload from multiple blood transfusions can add additional stress and damage to the vital organs. The goal for people living with sickle cell disease is to get and stay ahead of progressive organ damage. Work with your healthcare team to make sure that your organ function is being monitored early in childhood and regularly in adulthood according to guidelines.