Sickle cell disease

Pronunciation

Definition 1

An inherited disease in which the red blood cells have an abnormal crescent shape, block small blood vessels, and do not last as long as normal red blood cells. Sickle cell disease is caused by a mutation (change) in one of the genes for hemoglobin (the substance inside red blood cells that binds to oxygen and carries it from the lungs to the tissues). It is most common in people of West and Central African descent. Also called sickle cell anemia. (NCI Dictionary)

Definition 2

A blood disorder characterized by the appearance of sickle-shaped red blood cells and anemia. (NCI Thesaurus)

Definition 3

A disease characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia, episodic painful crises, and pathologic involvement of many organs. It is the clinical expression of homozygosity for hemoglobin S. (NLM, Medical Subject Headings)

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