Sickle Cell C Disease

Also known as: sickle cell hemoglobin C disease, sickle-hemoglobin C disease.

What is sickle cell C disease (Hemoglobin SC)?

Hemoglobin is a protein in blood that carries oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. People who have sickle cell C disease have abnormal hemoglobin (both hemoglobin S and hemoglobin C). This hemoglobin doesn’t flow through the blood vessels as smoothly as normal hemoglobin and can cause a number of complications.

What causes sickle cell C disease?

Sickle cell C disease is a genetic disorder that is passed along from parents to their children. It’s a recessive genetic disorder, which means that both parents must pass along the gene in order for the child to develop the disorder.

What are the symptoms of sickle cell C disease?

Sickle cell C disease often causes mild anemia, tiredness or weakness. Occasionally, pain in the arms, legs or back can occur as blood clumps up in the vessels. Others problems can include an increased risk of infection, an enlarged spleen, eyes problems and more.

What are sickle cell C disease care options?

Treatments typically involve preventing potential complications and treating them as they arise. People with the disorder receive continuous care to prevent and manage the complications of the disease. Education is essential to provide supportive and preventive care. May require Hydroxyurea if major complications occur. The only cure for Sickle Cell disease is bone marrow transplantation; gene therapy will be a curative therapy and will be coming available soon.

Reviewed by: Athena C Pefkarou, MD

This page was last updated on: September 30, 2020 05:24 PM