Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder of the red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body by using a protein called hemoglobin. Normal red blood cells contain only normal hemoglobin and are shaped like doughnuts. These cells are very flexible and move easily through small blood vessels.
Sickled cells become stuck and form plugs in small blood vessels.
This blockage of blood flow can damage the tissue. Because there are blood vessels in all parts of the body, damage can occur anywhere in the body. There are several forms of sickle cell disease. The most common is sickle cell anemia. Your doctor or nurse will tell you what kind of sickle cell disease your baby has.