sickle cell

• Termo médico que designa um tipo de hemácia com formato anormal de foice ou meia-lua, o que pode causar obstrução do fluxo sanguíneo e está associado à anemia falciforme.

A medical term referring to a type of red blood cell that is abnormally shaped like a crescent or sickle, which can cause blockages in blood flow and is associated with sickle cell disease.

1. Sickle cell diseaseB2formal

   A genetic blood disorder characterized by red blood cells that assume an abnormal, rigid, sickle shape, causing pain and organ damage.

   Doença falciforme

   • Sickle cell disease is most common in people of African descent.
   • Patients with sickle cell often experience severe pain crises.
   • Regular blood transfusions can help manage sickle cell complications.

2. Sickle cell traitB2formal

   A condition where a person carries one gene for sickle cell disease but typically does not show symptoms.

   Traço falciforme

   • Many people with sickle cell trait are unaware they carry the gene.
   • Sickle cell trait can be detected through a simple blood test.
   • People with sickle cell trait may experience symptoms under extreme conditions.