Sickle Cell
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a serious group of conditions which
are inherited (genetic). It affects the red blood cells in the
blood. Sickle cell anaemia is the name of a specific form of SCD in
which there are two sickle cell genes. With SCD, the red blood
cells have a tendency to go out of shape and become sickle-shaped
(like a crescent moon) - instead of their normal disc shape. This
can cause various problems. In between the episodes of illness,
people with SCD feel well.
Diagnosis we see/treat
Sickle Cell (HbSS, HbSC, HbS O Arab, HbS D Punjab, HbS Lepore,
HbSE, HbS Beta 0 Thalassaemia, HbS Beta + Thalassaemia, HbS HPFH,
HbS: Variant, HbCC)
Diagnosis we do not see/treat
Sickle Cell Trait/Carrier
Further information on sickle cell
trait/carrier:
Generally speaking; a patient with a diagnosis of sickle cell
trait/carrier is well and their general health is unlikely to be
affected, but it is important to know that their carrier status
will remain the same for life.
Their carrier status has been inherited from one of their
parents.
The patient should inform all medical/dental staff of their
carrier status before they receive any medical treatment to prevent
unnecessary blood tests.
Family planning
If a patient is a known carrier of an unusual haemoglobin and
are planning on having a baby and their partner does not know
whether they are a carrier of an unusual haemoglobin, we recommend
the partner gets a haemoglobinopathy screening test done. This is a
free test which can be organised via the GP surgery.
If the partner is found to also carry the gene for an unusual
haemoglobin, then the GP can refer the patients to a genetic
counsellor, who can explain the risks to their children and what
their options are.
Clinical guidelines
Sickle Cell Disease Guideline for Adults
Patient leaflets
We have various patient information leaflets. Please contact us
to find out more.
If you are looking for information on transition from paediatric
to adult services, please
visit our transition website.
