Sickle-cell disease

Sickle-cell disease is an inherited condition in which red blood cells become rigid and sickle-shaped rather than round and flexible, which can block small blood vessels and cause pain episodes, anaemia and other complications over a lifetime. It is caused by inheriting two altered copies of the beta-globin gene (or one altered copy alongside another haemoglobin variant). Sickle-cell trait describes carrying one altered copy alongside one usual copy; people with sickle-cell trait are generally healthy but can pass the trait to their children. Sickle-cell disease and trait are notably prevalent among certain tribal and other communities in parts of India, and several state and national programmes support carrier screening, particularly before marriage or pregnancy, and management of affected individuals. Couples where both partners carry sickle-cell trait, or one carries sickle-cell trait and the other a thalassaemia trait, have a chance with each pregnancy of a child inheriting a significant haemoglobin disorder; genetic counselling can help explain this and the available reproductive options.

Also known as: sickle cell disease, sickle-cell trait, sickle cell anaemia

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.