Inclusion Criteria
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1. Diagnosis of HbSC disease 2. Hemoglobin level between 8 and 12.5 g/dL 3. At least one vaso-occlusive event (e.g., pain, acute chest syndrome) in the 12 months prior to study entry. An episode of pain is defined as the occurrence of pain in the extremities, back, abdomen, chest, or head that lasts at least 2 hours; requires a visit to a hospital, emergency room, clinic, or provider's office; and is not explained except by SCD. Acute chest syndrome is defined as a new pulmonary infiltrate on a chest x-ray associated with a fever (greater than 38.5° C), tachypnea, wheezing, cough, or chest pain. 4. Regular compliance with comprehensive care 5. In a steady disease state and not experiencing an acute complication of SCD (i.e., no hospitalization, pain event, or episode of acute chest syndrome within the 1 month prior to study entry) |