D57: Sickle-cell disorders
Sickle-cell disorders are a group of inherited blood disorders in which the body produces abnormally shaped red blood cells, often resembling a crescent or sickle. These sickle-shaped cells have less flexibility and can block blood flow in the small vessels of the body. The blockage can cause acute episodes of pain, often referred to as a sickle cell crisis, and over time can lead to complications like stroke, infections, and damage to vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver. These conditions are genetically inherited, meaning they are passed on from parents to their children through genes. Common symptoms often start in early childhood and can include sudden pain throughout the body, fatigue, and paleness. Sickle-cell disorders are lifelong and can vary significantly in severity from person to person. Disease progression involves recurring crises and complications that tend to increase with age.
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