What is Sickle Cell Anaemia?

Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited disease in which red blood cells change from their normal round shape to a sickled one when oxygen levels in the blood are low, usually precipitated by exertion or infection.

It is commonest in people from central and western Africa, but is also found in the Mediterranean countries and the Middle East. In the U.K. about 10% of the Afro-Caribbean population are carriers.
It affects both sexes equally with problems beginning to appear by 3 months of life.

Haemoglobin - an overview

Haemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying compound that is contained within red blood cells. It consists of four protein globin chains encompassing a haem unit. Normal adult blood contains three types of haemoglobin, Haemoglobin A, Haemoglobin F, and Haemoglobin A2. People who have reduced or abnormal production of these three types are termed to be possessing a haemoglobinopathy