Vaso-Occlusion in sickle cell disease: Pathophysiology and novel targeted therapies

Abstract

Recurrent and unpredictable episodes of vaso-occlusion are the hallmark of sickle cell disease. Symptomatic management and prevention of these events using the fetal hemoglobin-reactivating agent hydroxyurea are currently the mainstay of treatment. Discoveries over the past 2 decades have highlighted the important contributions of various cellular and soluble participants in the vaso-occlusive cascade. The role of these elements and the opportunities for therapeutic intervention are summarized in this review. (Blood. 2013;122(24):3892-3898). © 2013 by The American Society of Hematology.