The disorder produces symptoms of moderate anemia and many of the same conditions associated with sickle cell disease, to a milder degree. All forms of sickle cell disease can exhibit the complications associated with the disease. Persons with HbSS, however, are the most severely affected. Sickle cell disease primarily affects those of African descent and Hispanics of Caribbean ancestry, but the trait has also been found in those with Middle Eastern, Indian, Latin American, Native American, and Mediterranean heritage. It has been estimated that over 72,000 people in the US are affected by the disease.
Millions worldwide suffer complications from sickle cell disease.
It is present in one in every 500 African-American births. Two million African-Americans, or one in 12, have the sickle cell trait. Sickle cell disease is an inherited disease caused by a genetic mutation. G enes are found on structures in the cells of our body called chromosomes. There are normally 46 total, or 23 pairs, of chromosomes in each cell of our body.