[Sickle cell disease, 2025]

Sickle cell disease homozygotes are the most exposed to mainly vaso-occlusive, infective hazards and complications, compared to other hemoglobinopathies. The expected lifespan is about 20 years shorter in sickle cell disease affected Afro-Americans comparing to others of the same population but not affected by the disease. The well-known hematological manifestations are early cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events, vaso-occlusive crises, hypo-asplenia, multiple infections, miscarriage, etc. The medical care is extremely complex, needs multidisciplinary approach therefore expertized centers are needed. The highest incidence of the disease in Sub-Saharan Africa and in the USA, but it might appear in any other countries. A comprehensive care including recent innovative therapies (e.g. gene modification) have promising results to prolong survival and better life quality. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(39): 1531–1537.