Editorial

Recognizing National Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Ashton L. Stahl

This September, Consultant recognizes National Sickle Cell Awareness Month and the patients, families, and clinicians affected by this complex, lifelong condition.

Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited disorders that affect hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. In patients with sickle cell disease, a genetic mutation makes red blood cells rigid and crescent-shaped. These cells can obstruct blood flow, contributing to hemolytic anemia, tissue ischemia, and damage across multiple organ systems.1

For many patients, the disease is marked by unpredictable episodes of severe pain, commonly called vaso-occlusive crises. Sickle cell disease can also lead to chronic pain, stroke, pulmonary complications, infections, vision problems, kidney disease, and other serious health effects. Although advances in screening, preventive care, and treatment have improved outcomes, clinicians must remain alert to both common manifestations and rare, rapidly progressing complications.1

One such complication is explored in this issue’s Case in Point case report from the Consultant archives, “Fat Embolism Syndrome After Corticosteroid Use in Sickle Cell Disease.” Fat embolism syndrome is rare but carries a high risk of mortality. Its presentation may include hypoxemia, neurologic impairment, petechial rash, and sudden declines in hemoglobin and platelet counts. Since imaging findings are nonspecific and no reliable biomarkers are available, early recognition requires a high degree of clinical suspicion.

This particular case offers an important reminder to consider fat embolism syndrome when a patient with sickle cell disease develops respiratory failure, neurologic changes, or shock, particularly after recent corticosteroid exposure.2

National Sickle Cell Awareness Month gives us an opportunity not only to increase understanding of the disease but also to recognize the clinical vigilance required throughout a patient’s life. By sharing emerging evidence, instructive cases, and practical clinical insights, we hope to support clinicians caring for patients living with sickle cell disease.

 

 References

  1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Sickle cell disease. Updated December 10, 2025. Accessed September 14, 2026. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sickle-cell-disease
  2. O’Hara A, Sweeney D, Cahill K, Kellberg G, Stiff P. Fat embolism syndrome after corticosteroid use in sickle cell disease. Consultant. Published online July 16, 2025. doi:10.25270/con.2025.07.000003