Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2025

A Precision Medicine Tool for Measurement and Monitoring of Hemoglobin S in Sickle Cell Disease Patients Receiving Transfusion Therapy
Sickle Cell Disease and the Kidney: Filters Gone Awry
Jeffrey D Lebensburger1, Vimal K Derebail2
1Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1600 7th Avenue South, Lowder 512, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
Abstract:
Throughout the lifespan, the kidney of a person with sickle cell disease is at increased risk of injury to the glomeruli, tubules, and renal vasculature. This injury manifests as urine concentrating defects, enuresis, albuminuria, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and end-stage kidney disease. The outcomes for patients who progress to end-stage kidney disease are poor and access to organ transplantation is limited. Therefore, identifying risk factors for progression, intervening with renoprotective agents early in life, and improving access to care are vital for sickle cell patients.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
Nephrons
Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...

