| Sickle cell disease (SCD) and obesity are 2 conditions that vary pathologically but they share similar health consequences that affect the African American community. Using existing data reported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's Cooperative Sickle Cell Disease, 3,764 patients were examined to describe the effect weight status had on SCD. The results showed more patients with mild sickle phenotypes were overweight than of those with severe sickle phenotypes. However, over 5% of patients with severe phenotypes were overweight.;BMI Z-scores ranging from 0.5 to 1 (5.4%) and greater than 2 (6.9%) had the highest percentage of death. Weight status was not found to be a predictor of pain crisis, acute chest syndrome and avascular necrosis. Weight status can further complicate genetic and chronic diseases, therefore health promotion strategies should encompass innovative weight control and culturally competence to improve the health of individuals with SCD. |
