Sickle cell anemia is an inherited genetic disorder of red blood cells caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene that causes the red blood cells to deform into a sickle shape[1][2]. These deformed blood cells have a shortened lifespan (10 to 20 days instead of the normal 120 days) and block blood vessels, cutting off oxygen to tissues and causing chronic anemia[1][3]. The disease is characterized by painful vaso-occlusive crises that can affect the back, chest, limbs and abdomen, as well as an acute chest syndrome similar to pneumonia[1][2]. Other serious acute complications include stroke (stroke) caused by blockage of blood flow to the brain and increased susceptibility to infections due to damage to the spleen[1][3]. Chronic complications include progressive damage to virtually all organ systems, including the kidneys, lungs, heart, eyes, and bone marrow[3][4]. The disease is accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, jaundice, slowed growth in children and eye problems including blindness[1]. Sickle cell anemia is most common in people whose ancestors came from Africa, Saudi Arabia, India, and the Mediterranean region[1].