Sickle cell trait occurs when a person inherits one sickle cell gene from one parent and one normal gene from the other parent.

• HbSS (Sickle Cell Anemia)- A sickle cell gene (S) is inherited from each parent causing sickle cell anemia {MOST COMMON}

• HbSC (Sickle Cell Trait) - A sickle cell gene (S) is inherited from one parent and a gene for abnormal hemoglobin (C) from the other parent.

• HbS beta thalassemia - A sickle cell gene (S) is inherited from one parent and a beta thalassemia gene from the other parent. Two types of beta thalassemia: “0” and “+” exist. Individuals with HbS beta 0-thalassemia usually have a severe form of Sickle Cell Disease while individuals with HbS beta +-thalassemia tend to have a milder form.

• HbSD, HbSE, and HbSO - A sickle cell gene (S) is inherited from one parent and one gene for abnormal haemoglobin {(D), (E), (O)} from another parent.
• HbAS - Sickle Cell Trait

A simple blood test is used to diagnose this disease. Often, the disease is determined at birth due to new-born screening programs. It is also possible to diagnose this disease prior to birth.

A range of symptoms occur with Sickle Cell Disease. Each individual suffers from different symptoms at any time. The most common symptom experienced is pain in the joints.

 Symptoms include: 

• Hand-Foot Syndrome, 
• Pain (Crisis) Episodes, 
• Lethargy,
•  Acute-Chest Syndrome,
•  Splenic Sequestration, 
• Vision Loss, 
• Leg Ulcers, 
• Stroke, 
• Pulmonary Embolism, 
• Deep Vein Thrombosis

Further complications may occur as a result of suffering many symptoms simultaneously.

Patients are usually treated based on the symptoms they are experiencing. For example, pain medication and IV fluid are given to patients experiencing a pain crisis. It is important for individuals with SCD to contact the physician as soon as symptoms occur.