Sickle Cell Disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. The most common and severe form is caused by inheriting two abnormal beta-globin genes (one from each parent). This mutation changes a single amino acid in the hemoglobin molecule, producing hemoglobin S (HbS). When HbS releases oxygen, it becomes sticky and forms long, rigid polymers inside the red cell. This causes the cell to deform into a characteristic sickle (crescent) shape. These sickled cells are stiff, block small blood vessels (causing pain crises and organ damage), and are fragile, leading to chronic hemolytic anemia. It is a lifelong condition requiring comprehensive medical care. Sickle cell trait (one normal gene, one HbS gene) is usually asymptomatic.

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Zambia

• Joseph Soko – 101 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
• Positive and Negative Symptoms
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Emergency: Environmental Emergencies