Sickle Cell Anemia

Definition:Sickle Cell Anemia is a severe hereditary form of anemia in which a mutated form of hemoglobin distorts the red blood cells into a crescent shape at low oxygen levels. It is most common among those of African descent. Symptoms:-Anemia-Episodes of pain (mainly in chest, abdomen, joints, and bones)-Delayed Growth-Vision Problems-Frequent Infections-Hand Foot syndrome swollen hands and feet)

The only possible way to cure this disease is with a bone marrow transplant, but this is rare as it is difficult to find a donor and the surgery is complicated and poses the risk of death. Antibiotics are perscribed mainly for children because diseases like pneumonia can be life threatening to a child with sickle cell anemia. Pain relieving medications can be taken for episodes of pain caused by the disease. Blood transfusions can increase the amount of healthy red blood cells in the body which will help ease the symptoms for some time.

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Definition/Symptoms

Cause:Sickle Cell Anemia is caused by a mutation in the gene that tells your body to make hemoglobin.Incidence: About 1,000 babies are diagnosed each year in America with Sickle Cell Anemia.

Sickle-Cell Anemia

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Causes/Incidence

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Risk Factors

Prevention

Inheriting the sickle cell disease comes down to genetics. For a baby to have the disease both parents must carry the genes. With each pregnancy, two people with sickle cell traits have a 25 percent chance of having a child with sickle cell anemia.

If you carry the sickle cell gene, you may consider seeing a genetic counselor before trying to conceive a child.

Glog by: Abby Julo and Hannah Nelson