What is a characteristic finding in the CBC of a patient with sickle cell anemia?

In the context of sickle cell anemia, a characteristic finding in a complete blood count (CBC) is decreased hemoglobin levels. Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder that leads to the production of abnormal hemoglobin, known as hemoglobin S. This abnormality causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, leading to a reduced lifespan of these cells and therefore a decrease in overall hemoglobin levels.

Patients with sickle cell anemia often experience chronic hemolytic anemia due to the rapid destruction of red blood cells. As the disease progresses, this results in persistent anemia characterized by low levels of hemoglobin, which can lead to various clinical symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, and risk of complications due to insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues.

While some patients may also present with elevated white blood cell counts or increased platelet counts due to splenic dysfunction or vaso-occlusive crises, these are not as defining or characteristic for the diagnosis of sickle cell anemia itself compared to decreased hemoglobin levels. Normal erythrocyte indices, which reflect the size and hemoglobin content of red blood cells, would not typically be observed in this condition since the presence of sickle-shaped cells and other abnormalities would alter these values.