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ICKLE CELL ANEMIA

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder cause due to irregularly shaped red blood cells.    It is called so as the red blood cells become crescent or sickle shaped. Because of this abnormality the red blood cells are not able to transport oxygen properly leading to anemia. People living in the tropical or sub-tropical regions, especially in Africa are more susceptible to it due to the prevalence of malaria in these areas.

Cause:

Abnormally formed hemoglobin (Hemoglobin S) is the main cause of this disease. It leads to the distortion of the cells. A person who inherits both the defected genes from his parents will have sickle cell anemia while those inhabiting sickle cell genes from only one parent would have sickle cell trait. A person with sickle cell trait leads a normal life with additional resistance from malaria as the malarial plasmodium is unable to infest sickle shaped red blood cells.

Symptoms:

1. Excessive abdominal pain
2. Delayed growth
3. Fatigue
4. Jaundice
5. Rapid heart rate
6. Fatigue

Treatment:

Patients need to undergo ongoing treatment. They should be regularly taken for blood transfusions. Folic acid supplements are used to enhance production of red blood cells. Hydroxyurea may also be used to decrease the number of pain sessions. To prevent bacterial infections antibiotics and vaccines may be used.