Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases (May 2011)

SICKLE CELL DISEASE AND VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM

  • Zohreh Rahimi,
  • Abbas Parsian

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4084/mjhid.2011.024
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3, no. 1
pp. e2011024 – e2011024

Abstract

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Hemoglobin S in homozygous state or in combination with one of the structural variants of Hb D-Punjab, Hb O-Arab, Hb C or β-thalassemia mutation results in sickle cell disease (SCD) that is characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia and tissue injury secondary to vasooclusion. A chronic hypercoagulable state in SCD has been established with the increased risk of thromboembolic complications in these patients. The goal of present review is to survey of the literature related to thromboembolic events and genetic risk factors involved in the manifestation of these events in SCD patients with focus on studies from Mediterranean countries. Also, this review covers the pathogenesis of hypercoagulability and alteration in the components of hemostasis system.

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