RESOURCES

Living with a rare disease can feel isolating and overwhelming. However, the Pfizer Patient Engagement Team has put together a variety of resources that can be accessed anytime for more information.

Sickle Cell

Sickle cell is a red blood cell disorder that is passed down through genetics. Healthy red blood cells are smooth, round, and bendable so they can easily flow through blood vessels and carry oxygen to every part of the body. 

Sickle cell begins with hemoglobin, the part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen. People with sickle cell have an abnormal type of hemoglobin that does not carry oxygen as well. After sickle hemoglobin releases oxygen, it clumps together, forming a stiff rod. This causes the red blood cells to become sickled, or banana-shaped. Sickled red blood cells are stiff and sticky, and don’t move freely throughout the blood vessels. Sickled red blood cells can pile up and block blood flow like a traffic jam, keeping healthy red blood cells carrying oxygen from getting where they need to go. This may prevent organs from getting the oxygen they need.

Sickled red blood cells are also very fragile, causing them to break down more easily. When they break apart, things are released from the red blood cell, including a substance called bilirubin. Too much bilirubin can cause the eyes and skin to turn yellow. Because sickled red blood cells break down, there are fewer and fewer in the body to carry oxygen. When there are too few red blood cells carrying oxygen, anemia can result, which may cause people to feel weak and tired.