What is sickle cell disease?

Common & inherited: Sickle cell disease is a very common inherited condition affecting hemoglobin & thus red blood cells, often leading to anemia as well as complications resulting from abnormal cell shape. Each (carrier) parent must have at least one gene for this condition in order for affected person to receive both to have actual disease. Check out http://ghr.Nlm.Nih.Gov/condition/sickle-cell-disease for info.

Red blood disorder: Autosomal recessive disorder when rbc's become rigid and cannot carry oxygen. The hemoglobin is abnormal. Also know as hbss vs hbas or trait. With low oxygen tension the beta chain of the hemoglobin molecule cannot carry oxygen properly and takes a different form-becomes sickle shaped, inelastic. They cannot pass through capillaries and lead to occlusion and ischemia. Rx transfusions, fluids.