Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder affecting the hemoglobin in red blood cells, crucial for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Individuals with sickle cell disease have red blood cells that can form a crescent or 'sickle' shape. These sickle-shaped cells are rigid, sticky, and can impede blood flow, leading to pain and potentially serious conditions like stroke, infections, and eye problems.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, sickle cell disease impacts more than 100,000 people in the United States and approximately 20 million individuals globally. While it disproportionately affects individuals of African ancestry or those who identify as Black, it also affects people from diverse ethnic backgrounds including Hispanic, Southern European, Middle Eastern, Asian Indian, and others.


Sickle cell trait occurs when an individual inherits one hemoglobin S gene from one parent and one normal gene from the other parent. While most individuals with sickle cell trait don't experience symptoms, in rare cases, they may face health issues under conditions of stress on the body, such as dehydration or intense exercise. It's important to note that individuals with sickle cell trait can pass the abnormal hemoglobin S gene to their children.

Sickle Cell Disease Facts
  • Where can I learn more about sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait?

    Additional sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait information can be found by visiting the listed organization's webpages.  It's important to educate yourself about sickle cell disease by using credible sources.

    Sickle Cell Disease


    Sickle Cell Trait

  • Where can I get tested for sickle cell?

    Sickle cell testing can be performed through your healthcare provider or medical home.  Individuals born in Georgia are screened for sickle cell disease as part of the newborn screening panel performed at birth.

    The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia offers sickle cell testing by appointment in the Atlanta metropolitan area. 

    Testing is also conducted as health fairs and special events.  Visit the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia's webpage for more information.

  • How can sickle cell disease impact pregnancy?

    Pregnant people with sickle cell disease are at an increased risk of having complications during pregnancy.  Pregnancy can make their sickle cell disease more severe and may require medications to be changed to help manage complications.  It's important to discuss sickle cell disease with your healthcare provider if you plan to become pregnant or are already pregnant.

  • Where can I get assistance?

    The Georgia Department of Public Health works with a network of healthcare providers and organizations to provide medical care and resources for individuals impacted by sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait.

    Sickle Cell Care

    • Augusta University Sickle Cell Center
      Services provided: newborn screening sickle cell disease follow-up program, sickle cell care for pediatric and adult clients, social work services
       
    • Children's Health Care of Atlanta
      Services provided: newborn screening sickle cell disease follow-up program, pediatric care for children with sickle cell disease, social work services
       
    • Grady Health System
      Services provided:  sickle cell care, 24-hour acute care center for adult patients with sickle cell disease, social work services
       
    • The Georgia Department of Public Health offers specialty clinics in collaboration with Augusta University to serve children, youth, and adults with sickle cell disease.  Visit the public health clinic websites to learn more about the services provided.
       


    Sickle Cell Resources

    • Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc.
      Services provided: newborn screening sickle cell trait follow-up program, care coordination planning, linking clients to care, assisting with locating community services/resources, assisting with transitioning care from childhood to adulthood, connecting clients with transportation services, and genetic counseling
  • I received a letter about my child's newborn screening sickle cell result. Who do I contact?

    The Georgia Newborn Screening Program contracts with Augusta University, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia to provide follow-up services to newborns with a positive newborn screening result for sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait. You may receive a phone call or letter from these organizations if you do not have a medical home or have been unable to be contacted by phone.  It's important to follow-up as soon as possible to make sure your child receives needed testing and care.

    Contact Information:

    • Augusta University - Newborn Screening Sickle Cell Follow-Up Program
      Contact Number: (706) 721-6251
      Fax Number: (706) 721-5769
      www.augustahealth.org
       
    • Children's Healthcare of Atlanta - Newborn Screening Sickle Cell Follow-Up Program
      Contact Number: (404) 785-1087
      Fax Number: (404) 553-9813
      www.choa.org
       
    • Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia - Sickle Cell Trait Follow-up Program and Sickle Cell Assistance Services
      Contact Number: (404) 755-1641
      Parent Education: (404) 755-1641 extension 203 or extension 235
      Family Services and Support: (404) 755-1642 extension 234
      Fax Number: (404) 755-7955
      www.sicklecellga.org 
  • How do I request my sickle cell result to meet a sport requirement?

    Sickle cell testing is included in Georgia's newborn screening panel performed at birth.  Individuals born in Georgia can request their newborn screening report by completing a newborn screening authorization release form through the Georgia Newborn Screening Program. Visit www.dph.ga.gov/NBS to download the newborn screening authorization release form.

    Sickle cell results may not be available for individuals born before 2006 through the Georgia Newborn Screening Program.  The delivery facility or the individual's pediatric provider may be able to provide the report. If the newborn screening report with the sickle cell result cannot be obtained, sickle cell testing can be performed through a healthcare provider.
     

    It's important for athletes with sickle cell trait to be aware of the warning signs and complications from exercise-related illness and to take precautions such as staying hydrated, setting their own pace, and to know what to do if they experience symptoms.


Page last updated 5/30/2024