Definitions for "Sickle cell disease"
A group of diseases characterized by the production of Hb S resulting from the inheritance of two betas globin genes (Hb SS), a beta S and a beta C gene (Hb SC), a beta S and a beta-thalassemia gene (Hb S beta-thalassemia), or a beta S gene and a gene for other abnormal hemoglobin which polymerizes with Hb S.
an inherited abnormality of the haemoglobin which causes distortion of the red blood cells (sickling) under low oxygenation conditions. It mostly affects people of African, African/Asian Caribbean, Eastern Mediterranean, Asian and Middle Eastern origin. Individuals who inherit the gene from each parent have sickle cell disease associated with anaemia and sickle cell crises.
a genetic disease that causes red blood cells to be sickle-shaped rather than round. In order to have sickle cell disease, a baby must inherit the gene from both the mother and the father. When a baby inherits only one gene this is called sickle cell trait. These babies have few health problems. Many states test infants for this disease. If sickle cell disease is detected, early treatment is advised.
Keywords:  hemoglobinopathies, see
see Hemoglobinopathies
Keywords:  africa, india, east, middle, important
an important health care issue in the United States and in certain areas in Africa, the Middle East and India