Prognosis and duration

Early diagnosis and treatment, especially of infection, improves prognosis. In developing countries with inadequate medical services babies with sickle cell anaemia frequently die within the first two years of life.

In the UK diagnosis of sick cell anaemia and initiation of treatment is usual in the first year of life. The aim of treatment is for the child to lead a normal life, attend school and enter adulthood with few or no complications of the disease. However up to 8% of children have had strokes by the age of 14 years. A higher number of children are at risk of stroke and will be treated with regular blood transfusions to prevent it.

In adults the condition may be relatively static over the years. However some people experience progressive deterioration with frequent crises, the development of disabling complications and poor general health.

The prognosis has improved in recent years and people with sickle cell anaemia can expect to live into their fifties and beyond.

Amended May 2009