Educational Information
What Is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that affects how oxygen moves through the body.
In healthy blood, red blood cells are round and flexible. They travel smoothly through blood vessels and deliver oxygen to tissues and organs. In SCD, red blood cells become stiff and curved — shaped like a crescent or “sickle.” These cells do not move easily and can block blood flow.
When blood flow is blocked, oxygen cannot reach parts of the body that need it. This leads to pain and can damage organs over time.
Penicillin Prophylaxis in Sickle Cell Disease
Protecting Children From Serious Infections
Children with sickle cell disease (SCD), especially those with HbSS, have a higher risk of life-threatening infections such as pneumonia and sepsis.
Daily penicillin — or another antibiotic prescribed by the care team — can greatly reduce this risk when started early in life and continued through early childhood.
The act of taking a small dose of penicillin daily to prevent infections is called “penicillin prophylaxis.” This simple preventive treatment is one of the most important ways to keep young children with sickle cell disease safe.
Hydroxyurea for Sickle Cell Disease
A Treatment That Helps Prevent Pain and Protect Health
Hydroxyurea is an oral medicine used to treat people living with sickle cell disease (SCD). It is considered a “first-line medicine” for many people with sickle cell disease because it can reduce pain crises and other complications, helping many people live longer and feel better.
Hydroxyurea is taken by mouth, usually once a day, as a capsule or liquid.
Transcranial Doppler (TCD) Screening
Preventing Stroke in Children With Sickle Cell Disease
Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) have a higher risk of stroke because sickle-shaped red blood cells can damage and narrow blood vessels in the brain.
A screening test called Transcranial Doppler (TCD) helps doctors detect stroke risk early — before symptoms appear. When risk is identified early, treatment can prevent many strokes.