What is the difference between sickle cell trait and sickle cell anemia?
Normal red blood cells contain hemoglobin A and some other minor types of hemoglobin. Children with sickle cell trait have red blood cells mainly containing hemoglobin A and some hemoglobin S. Children with sickle cell anemia have red blood cells with mainly hemoglobin S. There are other forms of abnormal red blood cells referred to as the thalassemias, which can affect the severity of your child’s blood disorder. These are very rare, and should be discussed thoroughly with your child’s physician.
