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Sickle Cell Disease

Date of Publication:

7/17/2015

Definition:

A hereditary condition, also called sickle cell anemia, that causes a type of faulty hemoglobin in red blood cells.  Some red blood cells can become hard, change shape and don’t move well through the smallest blood vessels.  This can stop or slow blood flow to parts of the body, causing less oxygen to reach these areas.  The sickle cells also die earlier than normal blood cells, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells in the body.  For most people, there is no cure for sickle cell disease.

Source of Definition:

Erythrocyte Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PD) and Sickle Cell Trait Screening Programs

Related Glossary Terms:

Sickle Cell Disease | Sickle Cell Trait

Last Updated: January 16, 2020
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