hemoglobin SC disease
A form of sickle cell disease where patients inherit one sickle cell gene and one hemoglobin C gene. Generally milder than sickle cell anemia but can still cause complications.
Full Definition
Hemoglobin SC disease is a variant of sickle cell disease that occurs when a child inherits one sickle cell gene (HbS) from one parent and one hemoglobin C gene (HbC) from the other parent. While typically less severe than homozygous sickle cell disease (HbSS), patients can still experience pain crises, acute chest syndrome, and other complications. The clinical course is often more unpredictable than sickle cell anemia, and complications may appear later in life. Editors should note this is distinct from sickle cell trait and requires specific genetic counseling considerations.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify 'SC disease' rather than just 'SC' to avoid confusion with other abbreviations.
In Context
- "The patient with hemoglobin SC disease presented with acute chest syndrome at age 15." — clinical case report
- "Genetic counseling revealed that both parents were carriers, resulting in hemoglobin SC disease in their child." — genetics consultation note