In this conversation with Journal of Investigative Medicine Social Media Editor John Dickinson, MD, PhD, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Gregory Vercellotti, MD, from the University of Minnesota provides an overview of the symptoms, diagnosis and management of sickle cell disease. Dr. Vercellotti is a national leader in the field of vascular biology and cares for adult patients with sickle cell disease. This podcast is especially relevant for primary care physicians, hospitalists, ER physicians, and other subspecialists who may not frequently encounter patients with sickle cell disease.

We discuss many of the common features for symptoms, including pain crises, and complications including stroke, pulmonary hypertension, and avascular necrosis. We also discuss some of the social, economic, and racial factors that are often barriers to effective care. Finally, we discuss some of the promising new options including stem cell transplantation and CRISPR-based cures.