[Sickle cell anemia--old disease, new patients].

Sickle cell anemia results from a genetic defect that causes a structural change in the beta-chain hemoglobin. This change causes chronic anemia. In Israel, sickle cell disease primarily affects Arab communities. Recently, immigration from Africa exposed us to sickle cell disease in this population. Three cases are presented with a variety of symptoms of sickle cell disease in this population. Awareness of this disease and its clinical presentations will prompt early diagnosis and treatment that can help these patients to avoid further complications.