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| sickle cell anemia | |
| Pronunciation: | sik-l sel uh-nEm-ya |
| Definition : | A genetic blood disease that causes red blood cells to take on a sickle shape, rather than their normal donut shape. |
| Facts: |
Sickle cell anemia is seen most commonly in people of African ancestry. Individuals who suffer from sickle cell disease are chronically anemic and experience significant damage to their heart, lungs, and kidneys. This disorder is caused by a single base pair change in one of the genes. |
| Related Terms: | anemia, base |