What it means
A genetic condition passed on when a child gets the sickle cell gene from both parents; one gene only gives sickle cell trait. The abnormal hemoglobin S makes red cells change shape when oxygen is low. The stiff cells break down early, causing anemiauh-NEE-mee-uhA lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.a- without, lacking-emia blood conditionFull entry , and block small blood vessels, causing painful crises and damage to organs such as the spleen, lungs, kidneys and brain. It is most common in people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and South Asian ancestry. All US newborns are screened for it.
For the nurse
During a pain crisis, give strong pain relief on time, IV fluids and oxygen as ordered. Teach plenty of fluids, avoiding cold, high altitude and hard exertion, and getting care quickly for fever, since infection can be life-threatening.
At a glance
| Spanish | anemia de células falciformes, anemia drepanocítica |
|---|---|
| Also written | sickle cell disease, sickle-cell-disease, sickle cell anaemia |
Related terms
hemoglobin
The iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and the blood test that measures it.
anemia
A lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.
red blood cell
A blood cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues; also called an erythrocyte.
thalassemia
An inherited blood disorder in which the body makes too little normal hemoglobin.