Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive hemoglobinopathy in which abnormal hemoglobin S (HbS) causes RBCs to sickle (crescent shape) under conditions of hypoxia, dehydration, infection, extreme temperature, or acidosis. Sickled cells occlude small vessels, causing ischemia and pain. Most common in individuals of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian descent.