In this episode, Dr. Ann Van de Velde (Head of the Haematology Clinic at the University Hospital of Antwerp) talks us through the burden of sickle cell disease (SCD). In patients with SCD, the sickling of red blood cells causes the premature breakdown of these cells and results in haemolytic anaemia. Furthermore, veno-occlusive crises, also referred to as pain crises, are the hallmark of SCD and are the most important reason for hospitalisation. Apart from the fact that life expectancy for these patients remains low, SCD also comes with an important psychological burden and highly impacts the patient’s quality of life.

<p>In this episode, <em>Dr. Ann Van de Velde (Head of the Haematology Clinic at the University Hospital of Antwerp)</em> talks us through the burden of sickle cell disease (SCD). In patients with SCD, the sickling of red blood cells causes the premature breakdown of these cells and results in haemolytic anaemia. Furthermore, veno-occlusive crises, also referred to as pain crises, are the hallmark of SCD and are the most important reason for hospitalisation. Apart from the fact that life expectancy for these patients remains low, SCD also comes with an important psychological burden and highly impacts the patient&rsquo;s quality of life.</p>

Advertisement