Topic Overview
Some people inherit one sickle cell
gene and one other defective
hemoglobin gene, resulting in various types of
sickling disorders. These disorders range from mild to severe.
- Sickle cell disease (hemoglobin SS disease) occurs when both genes produce
hemoglobin S. This person typically has symptoms of
anemia, mild to life-threatening complications, and a
shortened lifespan.
- Sickle beta-thalassemia
occurs when a person has one hemoglobin S gene and another gene that causes the
body to produce less hemoglobin than normal. This person may have mild to
severe sickle cell disease.
- Hemoglobin SC disease occurs when a person has one hemoglobin S gene and one abnormal
hemoglobin C gene. This person may have generally milder symptoms and a longer
lifespan than a person with sickle cell disease but still may become seriously
ill.
- Hemoglobin SO disease and
hemoglobin SD disease occur when a person has one
hemoglobin S gene and one abnormal hemoglobin O or hemoglobin D gene. This
person may experience all sickle cell disease symptoms, ranging from mild to
severe.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Martin Steinberg, MD - Hematology |
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| Last Revised | January 11, 2011 |
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