Sickle cell disease
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease (pronounced: /ˈsɪkəl sɛl dɪˈziːz/) is a group of blood disorders typically inherited from a person's parents. The most common type is known as sickle cell anemia (pronounced: /əˈniːmiə/).
Etymology
The term "sickle cell" comes from the sickle-like shape of the red blood cells in this condition. The term "anemia" is derived from the Ancient Greek word "anaimia", meaning lack of blood.
Definition
Sickle cell disease is characterized by a mutation in the hemoglobin (pronounced: /ˈhiːməˌɡloʊbɪn/) gene, leading to the production of S, an abnormal form of hemoglobin. This abnormal hemoglobin causes the red blood cells to assume a sickle shape, hence the name of the disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of sickle cell disease include anemia, repeated infections, and periodic episodes of pain. The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. Sickle cell disease may lead to various acute and chronic health problems, such as severe infections, attacks of severe pain ("sickle cell crisis"), and stroke.
Treatment
Treatment of sickle cell disease typically involves the prevention of complications through vaccination, pain management, and blood transfusions, along with a healthy lifestyle. A small number of cases can be cured with a bone marrow transplant.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sickle cell disease
- Wikipedia's article - Sickle cell disease
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