Antiretroviral Therapy and Sickle Cell Disease: Balancing Efficacy and Toxicity

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin, leading to the deformation of red blood cells into a sickle shape. These sickled cells cause blockages in blood vessels, resulting in episodes of acute pain, organ damage, and a range of long-term health complications. People with SCD face multiple challenges related to hemolysis, pain crises, anemia, and organ damage, particularly to the kidneys, liver, and lungs. The management of SCD has advanced significantly, but it remains a complex and lifelong condition, requiring continuous monitoring and intervention. In recent decades, the global HIV epidemic has added an additional layer of complexity for individuals with SCD, particularly in areas with high rates of both diseases.