News: Sickle cell disease causes higher risk for COVID-19 complications
Those afflicted with sickle cell disease or sickle cell traits were more likely to experience COVID-19 complications, according to a new study presented at the 62nd American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition.
The study also found COVID-19 patients with sickle cell disease were significantly younger and a higher proportion had asthma, Type 1 diabetes, and pre-existing liver conditions compared to those without the disease or trait.
Researchers say that the data provides evidence that sickle cell disease imposes additional risk of severe COVID-19 illness and hospitalizations after balancing for age, gender, and pre-existing conditions.
Editor’s note: The study presented at the 62nd American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition can be found here.