Description
Sickle Cell Anemia is an inherited red blood cell disorder caused by a genetic mutation that affects hemoglobin. People with sickle cell anemia have red blood cells that become hard, sticky and curved like a sickle or crescent moon shape when exposed to low oxygen levels. These unusual shaped red blood cells are unable to move easily through the body’s small blood vessels, resulting in blockages and reduced oxygen flow to vital organs and tissues. This can lead to a variety of complications, including anemia, stroke, infection and organ damage.
The only known cure for sickle cell anemia is a bone marrow transplant, where healthy bone marrow is transplanted into the body to replace the defective marrow. However, this procedure is not always successful and is only available to certain patients. Other treatments focus on relieving symptoms and preventing complications, such as medications to reduce pain, antibiotics to prevent or treat infections, and blood transfusions to increase red blood cell counts.
Sickle cell anemia is most common among African Americans, but it can also occur in people from other ethnic backgrounds. It is estimated that one in 13 African Americans carry the sickle cell trait, and one in 365 live births are affected by the disease. Although there is no way to prevent the disease, genetic counseling, early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity of symptoms and improve quality of life for those living with the condition.
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