GSTM1 and beta thalassemia: Sickle cell disease (SCD) refers to a clinically heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by a structurally abnormal hemoglobin, hemoglobin S (Hb S), inherited in either a homozygous fashion (Hb SS) or in combination with other Hb variants (e.g., Hb SC, Hb SD, Hb S/O-Arab) or a beta thalassemia mutation (Hb S/beta thalassemia).