Born with Sickle Cell Disease

Posted on January 23, 2009

A group of inherited blood disorders in which red blood cells assume an abnormal, rigid sickle shape is referred to as “sickle cell disease.” This abnormality results in interruption of blood flow and prevents oxygen from reaching both tissues and organs. When this occurs, painful events can occur with an associated risk of muscle, bone and organ damage.

You may have heard of sickle cell anemia, which is a common form of sickle cell disease in which there is a shortage of red blood cells circulating through the body (anemia) because sickle cells die prematurely. Sadly, sickle cell disease is considered a lifelong disease in which there is no cure at this time.

A simple blood test either before conception or during pregnancy can determine whether either parent carries a sickle cell trait. People with sickle cell trait don’t have sickle cell disease or exhibit any signs of the disorder, but they can pass the gene for the disease to their children. When both parents have the sickle cell trait, there’s a 25% chance that a child will have sickle cell disease.

If your child was born with sickle cell disease and you feel this could have been prevented by more thorough pre-natal care by your physician, you may have a valid legal claim.

If you live in the New Jersey or Philadelphia area, please contact the law office of Weiss & Paarz, P.C. today to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation today.