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WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY 2023
Theme: Building and strengthening Global Sickle Cell Communities, Formalizing New-born Screening, and Knowing your Sickle Cell Disease Status
Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder marked by defective hemoglobin, which inhibits the ability of hemoglobin in red blood cells to carry oxygen. Red blood cells with normal hemoglobin are smooth, disk-shaped, and flexible, like doughnuts without holes. They can move through the blood vessels quickly. Cells with sickle cell hemoglobin are stiff and sticky. When they lose their oxygen, they form into the shape of a sickle or crescent, like the letter C. These cells stick together and can’t quickly move through the blood vessels. This property is due to a single nucleotide change in the B-globin gene leading to the substitution of valine for glutamic acid at position 6 of the B-globin chain (B6glu->val or Bs).Normal red blood cells can live up to 120 days. But, sickle cells only live for about 10 to 20 days. Also, sickle cells may be destroyed by the spleen because of their shape and stiffness.
Types of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)1. HbSS2. HbSC3. HbS beta thalassemia4. HbSD, HbSE, and HbSO5. Sickle Cell Trait: HbAS
Symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)•Anemia•Pain crisis or sickle crisis•Acute chest syndrome•Splenic sequestration (pooling)•Stroke•Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mouth•Priapism
Diagnosis of SCDSCD is diagnosed with a Blood Test called Hemoglobin electrophoresis
Treatment of SCD•Pain medications•Drinking plenty of water daily (8 to 10 glasses). •Blood transfusions•Vaccinations and antibiotics•Use of Folic acid as prescribed by a physician •Use of Hydroxyurea as prescribed by a physician•Bone marrow transplant
Complications of SCDIncreased infectionsLeg ulcersBone damageEarly gallstonesKidney damage and loss of body water in the urineEye damageMultiple organ failure. Sickle cell disease is a life-long condition. Although the complications of sickle cell disease may not be prevented entirely but, living a healthy lifestyle can reduce some difficulties.However, Sickle Cell Disease can be prevented when courting partners subject themselves to Hb-Genotype Test to know their compatibility status. -
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