6. Splenic sequestration crisis
Children who have sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia face a life-threatening situation. Their red blood cells are not functioning correctly, and their hemoglobin has been changed. As a result, the abnormal erythrocytes are stuck, the hemoglobin levels decrease, and the patients become dangerously dehydrated. There is a 15% chance of death in these cases, and those who survive may develop scarring and fibrosis in their spleen which can cause further issues later in life.