Sickle Cell Disease - Pathophysiology of disease and complications 


Due to the deformed shape, HbS induces RBC membrane damage leading to calcium influx into the cell. Calcium influx leads to crosslinking of the membrane proteins and activating channels that allow for the efflux of potassium and water from the cell. This leads to RBC dehydration exacerbating the sickling.Vaso-occlusive crisis results from the sickle red cells obstructing and reducing blood flow to the vital organs leading to ischemia, necrosis and pain.


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