Sickle Cell Disease Projects

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common inherited blood disorders, affecting 20-25 million people worldwide. SCD is associated with high morbidity, accounting for a substantial proportion of hospital admissions in London, where 70% of English patients live. Over the past decades, research has greatly improved life-expectancy for patients living in high income countries.

Globally, there is also a pressing need to explore ways to reduce the risk of serious complications such as painful crises, lung disease, and sleep disordered breathing. SCD is the most common cause of childhood stroke; in addition, up to 30% children have ‘silent’ cerebral infarction (SCI) detectable using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

SCD is also associated with progressive cognitive difficulties from infancy, even in school-age children with no apparent SCI. Adults and children with SCA have long-term healthcare needs, which affect quality of life and require attention from healthcare professionals.

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