When sickled cells clog blood vessels, pain most commonly affects the joints. A severe crisis can also disrupt the work of the brain, the lungs, the heart, the kidneys, and the spleen-sometimes with fatal consequences. Leg ulcers in the ankle region may persist for years. Children risk seizures or strokes. Those with sickle-cell anemia are especially prone to infectious diseases, since the disorder weakens natural defenses.
Infection is a common cause of death.
Of course, not everyone with sickle-cell anemia develops all these symptoms. And some do not experience problems until they reach their late teens. The Importance of Love Joy, who is now in her early 20's, suffers from sickle-cell anemia. Since she is one of Jehovah's Witnesses, she has never accepted a blood transfusion. I believe that loving parental care means a lot.