Sickle Cell Anemia is a genetic disorder dealing with the red blood cells within the body. The abnormality deals with the formation of hemoglobin within the blood cells. The hemoglobin abnormality is called hemoglobin S.
The Sickle Cell gene need to be inhered from both of the parents, otherwise the individual will only carry the Sickle Cell trait. If the sickle cell trait is carried by an individual they can be asymptomatic. This individual can, however, transfer the gene abnormality to any offspring that they …show more content…
In their abnormal state they become more likely to adhere to the endothelium of the smaller vessels.
They also have a shortened life span than normal red blood cells due to the spleen destroying the abnormal cells. These abnormalities can also cause severe pain and abnormal low levels of oxygen being delivered to the tissues of the body.
There are many complications that come with Sickle Cell Anemia. Some complications are minor like anxiety and some can be life threatening like acute chest syndrome. Some other complications include depression, chronic pain, infection and even sepsis.
Sickle Cell Anemia will usually be diagnosed within the first two years of life because of the way it affects the body. This disease is very debilitating, in many cases causing vasoocclusion in the smaller vessel.
Sickle Cell Anemia can also make an individual more susceptible to disease. When trying to diagnose this disease blood tests can be performed. Other tests that may be done include but are not limited to chest X-rays, bone scans and CT …show more content…
Lavatory test may be performed periodically to check on the individual’s current status and monitor treatment responses as well as any side effects. Bed rest may also be order by the physician.
There is only one cure for Sickle Cell Anemia and that is a bone marrow transplant from an uninfected individual. Bone marrow transplants are not performed very often. They are mainly not done because there are not many suitable donors for the procedure. There are also many side effects and risks that come with a bone marrow transplant.
In conclusion Sickle Cell Anemia is the most common form of sickle cell disease. It is also the most severe form of sickle cell disease. The only cure for Sickle Cell Anemia is a bone marrow transplant from a suitable donor. However they are not done very often due to the lack of suitable donors and the risk that come with a bone marrow transplant.
The only treatments used are mainly laboratory tests and monitoring of the individual. Also the average age for a male to live with Sickle Cell Anemia is forty-two years whereas a female’s average life will be forty-eight years. Sickle Cell Anemia is mainly found in individuals of African