What will I die from with sickle cell anemia?

Although people with sickle cell anemia typically live well into adulthood, complications of their disease can lead to early death. Children who pass away from complications of sickle cell anemia tend to do so for different reasons than adults. The most common causes of death in children with sickle cell anemia are infection and spleen problems. The most common causes of death in adults with sickle cell anemia are organ damage/dysfunction, thrombotic disease (e.g. strokes) and treatment-related complications. Thankfully, as we continue to understand more about how to treat this complex disease, we are finding new ways to prevent or delay these life-threatening complications.

Other Questions About Sickle-cell anemia

• Why is sickle cell anemia caused by the HBB gene change?
• Who else in my family should I test for sickle cell anemia?
• When am I going to die of sickle cell anemia?
• What will I die from with sickle cell anemia?
• What specialist doctors should I see with sickle cell anemia?