Facts About Sickle cell Disease

• Beginning in the teen years and into adulthood, the health of patients with SCD often gets worse. This period is called “transition.” Young adults with SCD suffer from more frequent SCD-related complications than younger pediatric patients.

• During transition, people with SCD often face many barriers to care:
  • The number of physicians trained and willing to treat patients with SCD, especially adults is limited.
  • Young adults with SCD often do not receive HU because few adult healthcare providers are knowledgeable about SCD.
  • Healthcare providers may inaccurately perceive SCD patients as drug-seekers and may doubt their severity of pain. As a result, patients with SCD often experience longer wait times to see a doctor and to get pain medication when visiting the emergency department. 
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