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What Is Sickle Cell Anemia?

Internet URL

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Sca/SCA_WhatIs.html  

This document also available in Spanish

Sponsoring Agency

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health

Description

This publication discusses sickle cell anemia (uh-NEE-me-uh), a serious disease in which the body makes sickle-shaped red blood cells. Sickle cells contain abnormal hemoglobin that causes the cells to have a sickle shape. The publication links to more information about the disease, including causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and prevention.

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Review Date

1/7/2009