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Where Did The Disease Come From?
It is believed that Sickle Cell Trait began in countries where Malaria was common because people with the trait were protected against the severe form of malaria. People of African, Spanish, Greek, Italian, Asiatic Indian, and people who originated in the Mediterranean area are most commonly affected.
What Is The Difference Between Sickle Cell Anemia and Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle Cell Anemia is the most severe form of Sickle Cell Disease. Other Sickle Cell Diseases are: Sickle Cell Thalassemia (Cooley's Anemia), Sickle Cell C Disease, Sickle Cell D Disease, and any other abnormal hemoglobin combined with sickle hemoglobin.
normal hemoglobin Hb ? 2 alpha and 2 beta chains form a 4 chain tetramer |
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beta chains bind with other beta chains in red blood cell (RBC) when deoxygenated; polymerization occurs; Hb polymers distort RBC into sickled shapes: vaso-occlusion |
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What Are The Symptoms of Sickle Cell Anemia?
Sickle Cell Anemia is clearly manifested at an early age. The child becomes pale, tires easily, eats poorly, may have swelling of the hands and feet, slow growth, pain in arms, legs, back and abdomen.
What Is A Sickle Cell Crisis?
A crisis is a period in which the symptoms become severe. For variable periods, persons although chronically anemic, may go along without any complaints. Then with an attack of tonsilitis or common cold, or sometimes for no apparent reason, they become acutely ill and experience pain lasting from a few days to a week or two. The first sign of a crisis is usually loss of appetite, followed by paleness, weakness and fever. Pain in the abdomen, legs and arms may be severe and there may be some swelling of the joints. There may be a yellow color of the eyes and skin and there may be blood in the urine or the urine may have a dark brownish color.
What Causes The Crisis?
The sickled red blood cells tend to stick together, often causing obstruction in small blood vessels in any part of the body. This obstruction cuts down the circulation and the oxygen supply. Any part of the body not getting a sufficient blood supply will become painful and damage to that tissue could occur if circulation is not restored.
Why Is It Called Sickle Cell Anemia?
The sickled red blood cells have a shorter life span than normal red blood cells and are easy to break, thereby causing the blood count to be lower than normal (anemia). The body cannot make new cells fast enough to keep up with the destruction. Therefore, the blood count remains below normal throughout life.
How Often Does One Have To Get Tested?
Adequate and accurate testing does not need to be repeated. In absence of a blood transfusion effect, one test is generally good for a lifetime.
Will Sickle Cell Trait Turn Into The Disease and Will A Child Outgrow It?
No, whatever the diagnosis, Trait or Anemia, it will remain unchanged throughout life.
What Precautions Should Persons With Sickle Cell Anemia Take?
Try to maintain good health by eating a well balanced diet, and getting enough rest. Avoid stress such as colds and fatigue. Be careful to prevent infections from cuts and bruises. Special attention to skin care and overall personal hygiene is a must.
Can Sickle Cell Anemia Be Cured?
No cure has been found yet, but scientists are working to find a cure. Research and education are among top priorities in sickle cell programs funded through the National Heart and Lung Institute.
What Is The Treatment For Sickle Cell Anemia?
Infections are treated with antibiotics at the earliest moment, particularly in children. Drinking an adequate amount of fluids is encouraged at all times. Blood transfusions and exchange transfusions are sometimes needed. The treatment varies depending upon the organs involved and the nature of the complication. You must consult your physician for physical checkups and follow up care. Sickle Cell Anemia cannot be corrected with iron medication or foods containing iron.
Where Can I Be Tested?
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of Northwest Indiana Foundation, Inc. provides FREE TESTING DAILY, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m and 4:00 p.m. at the foundation office, located at 4801 West Fifth Avenue, Gary, IN 46406.
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More Facts About Sickle Cell
Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells which carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body. The most common or normal hemoglobin is called A (adult). Sickle hemoglobin is called S.
Inheriting a gene for sickle hemoglobin from both parents result in SS hemoglobin or sickle cell anemia. Inheriting a gene for normal hemoglobin from one parent and a gene for sickle hemoglobin from the other parent results in AS hemoglobin or Sickle Cell Trait.
If one parent has normal hemoglobin and the other parent has sickle cell trait, there is a 50% chance with each pregnancy that the child will have AS hemoglobin and a 50% chance that he will have normal hemoglobin.
If both parents have sickle cell trait, there is a 25% chance with each pregnancy that the child will have normal hemoglobin, 50% chance that he will have Sickle Cell Trait, and 25% chance that he will have Sickle Cell Anemia.
If one parent has Sickle Cell Trait and the other parent has Sickle Cell Anemia, there is a 50% chance with each pregnancy that the child will have Sickle Cell Trait and a 50% chance that he will have Sickle Cell Anemia.
If one parent has normal hemoglobin and the other parent has Sickle Cell Anemia, there is a 100% chance with each pregnancy that the child will have Sickle Cell Trait.
To learn more about Sickle Cell and what you can do to help, contact Sickle Cell Disease Association of Northwest Indiana Foundation at (219) 949-5310, or visit these websites for more information:
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