Hemoglobin SC disease is a subtype of
hemolytic anemia. The
anemia is due to the premature breakdown of the blood cells in the spleen. Unlike
sickle cell anemia.which consists of two abnormal hemoglobins: s and s, hemoglobin SC consists of two abnormal hemoglobins: s and c. Symptoms of hemoglobin SC are similar to those of sickle cell anemia, but much milder.
Prevalence of hemoglobin SC desease is estimated to be 0.04 to .13% in the African American population. Complications of hemoglobin SC include increased rates of early spontaneous abortion, renal papillary necrosis, aseptic necrosis of the femoral and humeral head, and proliferative retinopathy.
In Western medicine, nothing can be done other than supportive care.
