Role of Placenta Growth Factor in Sickle Acute Chest Syndrome

The purpose of this research study is to find out whether Placenta Growth Factor (PlGF) and related tests can predict the development of acute chest syndrome (ACS) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) during a period where patients are well and during admission to the hospital for an acute sickle event to see if these measures can predict the development of ACS. Understanding events precipitating ACS may lead to preventative and interventional therapies which will improve patient outcomes and quality of life.