Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Blood Disorders > Sickle Cell
Sickle-cell disease is a general term for a group of genetic disorders caused by sickle hemoglobin (Hgb S or Hb S). In many forms of the disease, the red blood cells change shape upon deoxygenation because of polymerization of the abnormal sickle hemoglobin. This process damages the red blood cell membrane, and can cause the cells to become stuck in blood vessels. This deprives the downstream tissues of oxygen and causes ischemia and infarction. The disease is chronic and lifelong. Individuals are most often well, but their lives are punctuated by periodic painful attacks. In addition to periodic pain, there may be damage of internal organs, such as stroke. Lifespan is often shortened with sufferers living to an average of 40 years. It is common in people from parts of the world where malaria is or was common, especially in sub-saharan Africa or in descendents of those peoples. Sickle-cell disease can occur in any individual of any color or ethnicity, however.
Types and terminology
"Sickle-cell anemia" is the name of a specific form of sickle-cell disease in which there is homozygosity for the mutation that causes Hgb S. Other forms of sickle-cell disease include:
- sickle-hemoglobin C disease
- sickle beta-plus-thalassemia
- sickle beta-zero-thalassemia
Unlike sickle-cell anemia, these other forms of sickle-cell disease are compound heterozygous states in which the person has only one copy of the mutation that causes Hgb S and one copy of another abnormal hemoglobin gene. It is important to know that "sickle-cell anemia" is the proper name of a specific type of "sickle-cell disease", and that "sickle-cell disease" is a non-specific term. Because the different forms of sickle-cell disease are quite different, one must be sure to specify the exact form of the disease in question.
More on [ Sickle-cell disease ]
@STAYFRESHATL HEY! Can we chat about the Sickle Cell Foundation when you get a sec?
ApplausePR (ApplausePR) Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:01:58 -0000
@STAYFRESHATL HEY! Can we chat about the Sickle Cell Foundation when you get a sec?
Autopsy: Heart illness killed WCU athlete Ja'Quayvin Smalls: WCU started testing athletes for sickle cell t.. http://bit.ly/7GzvUB
Destinedsuccess (Candice Nicholson) Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:22:15 -0000
Autopsy: Heart illness killed WCU athlete Ja'Quayvin Smalls: WCU started testing athletes for sickle cell t.. http://bit.ly/7GzvUB
*~Living My Life One Day At A Time..Overcoming The Odds By Dealing With My Sickle Cell Everyday {Story Of My Life} Smiles & Giggles Meka<3~*
hotlilmama89 (Shameka McFarland) Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:22:13 -0000
*~Living My Life One Day At A Time..Overcoming The Odds By Dealing With My Sickle Cell Everyday {Story Of My Life} Smiles & Giggles Meka<3~*
I have a incurable,painful disease called Sickle Cell Anemia! I was given only 10 more years to survive this disease at 14,but GOD said NO!
shawnsSon (Elton Petaway) Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:13:57 -0000
I have a incurable,painful disease called Sickle Cell Anemia! I was given only 10 more years to survive this disease at 14,but GOD said NO!
RT @CharlyEast "I just got a deal. I ain't talking pickle. I'm outside the cell while you rappers just sickle."COME ON SOULJA BOY< he tryn
TheAspiringMe (Andrew (A.d.D.)) Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:02:27 -0000
RT @CharlyEast "I just got a deal. I ain't talking pickle. I'm outside the cell while you rappers just sickle."COME ON SOULJA BOY< he tryn
Am I the only bowlegged person whose legs ache if I stand up too long? Or is that sickle cell?
Shay_Marie (Shaina Auxilly) Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:39:12 -0000
Am I the only bowlegged person whose legs ache if I stand up too long? Or is that sickle cell?
Awake Correspondent in Nigeria - An article about sickle-cell anemia with an explanation, the symptoms, treatment, prevention and how it is passed on.
Meta Description: [ About one million Nigerians have sickle-cell anemia, and 60,000 die of it each year. How can the symptoms be treated? ]
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Hertz Nazaire - Sickle Cell Patient Information - A comprehensive, patient run sickle cell information site. The information is presented from the patient's point of view. There are discussion boards, links, and art.
Meta Description: [ Tripod on Lycos, established in 1994, is one of the leading personal publishing communities on the Web. Tripod makes it easy for members to create their own blogs, web sites, get a web address (domain) and start publishing online. ]
Joint Center for Sickle Cell and Thalassemic Disorders - Gives an evaluation of the causes and treatments of sickle cell disease as well as current research. Information is available both for lay persons as well as health care providers.
Meta Description: [ Overview of hemoglobin disorders, iron overload, and their treatment ]
Natural History of Sickle Cell Disease in India - Lists and describes the contribution of Dr. Bimal Chandra Kar. Patient resources, papers and publications.
Sickle Cell Advocates for Research and Empowerment (S. C.A. R.E. ) - Patient-oriented information.
Meta Description: [ S.C.A.R.E. founders: Ivor Balin Pannell & Deborah G. Oster Pannell present: DEFIERS.COM--- The First Patient run Sickle Cell Disease Site on the WeB... Welcome Defiers and Family! ]
Sickle Cell Anemia - Takes a look at this disorder with a definition, causes, incidence and risk factors.
Sickle Cell Disease - Information for school personnel.
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Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Education, advocacy and other initiatives which promote awareness and support for sickle cell programs and patients.
Sickle Cell Disease Review - Promotes and disseminates research into the scientific, clinical and social aspects of this disorder. Literature review, bibliography, and general information on the disease.
Sickle Cell Disease: Information for Health Professionals - Basic facts, symptoms, how to recognise a crisis, diagnosis and management are some of the topics covered.
Meta Description: [ Sickle Cell Society - UK based charity which provides care and information on sickle cell anaemia (anemia) and other sickle cell disorders to sufferers, health professionals, students and everyone interested in understanding this genetic disease. Includes up to date research findings and pain man... ]
Sickle Cell Disease: Practical Tips for Preventing a Sickle Cell Crisis - Advice from FamilyDoctor.org.
Meta Description: [ Information about preventing a sickle cell crisis from the American Academy of Family Physicians. ]
Sickle Cell Information Center - Current information for health care providers, patients, the public, teachers and others with online treatment guideline books, a tutorial, multiple links to other sickle cell sites and a directory of clinics in the US.
Sickle Cell Society - A UK-based charity which provides care and information. Site includes research findings, pain management techniques, and teaching resources.
Meta Description: [ Sickle Cell Society - UK based charity which provides care and information on sickle cell anaemia (anemia) and other sickle cell disorders to sufferers, health professionals, students and everyone interested in understanding this genetic disease. Includes up to date research findings and pain man... ]
The American Sickle Cell Anemia Association - A non-profit organisation based in Cleveland Ohio whose objectives are to raise awareness of the condition. Features educational material, FAQs, support groups and a message board.
Meta Description: [ The American Sickle Cell Anemia Association of Cleveland Ohio ]
The Sickle Cell Foundation of Alberta - Educates the public about sickle cell disease and provides support for carriers of the trait and their families.
Unit for the Social Study of Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell - A UK based social studies site for thalassaemia and sickle cell, including bibliography, quiz, and links to other major sites.
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