Sickle cell patients can suffer excruciating pain crises as well as long-term damage to vital organs because of decreased blood flow and inflammation.

The two most common ailments in sickle cell disease include pain episodes (also referred to as sickle cell crises) and acute chest syndrome (ACS). These conditions are caused by inflammation and blockages in blood vessels. There are few specific therapies available to acutely treat sickle cell crises or ACS.