Sickle cell disease is a hereditary condition resulting from mutations in the gene responsible for producing hemoglobin. This genetic alteration causes the hemoglobin molecule to polymerize when oxygen levels are low, forcing the red blood cells to distort into rigid, crescent or sickle shapes. These abnormally structured cells are fragile and prone to premature destruction (hemolysis), which leads to chronic anemia. Furthermore, the sickled morphology causes them to aggregate and obstruct the small blood vessels throughout the body. This vascular occlusion can precipitate vaso-occlusive crises, leading to localized tissue ischemia, inflammation, and potential damage to multiple organ systems, including the spleen and kidneys.