Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is a mutation in the blood protein. It changes the shape of the red blood cells and changes their functions and behavior. These cells become sticky, stiff, and sickled and they can cause severe pain and extreme organ damage. This disease is inherited through genes of the parents, averaging a 25% chance per child, or a 1 in 4 chance. The disease is mostly found where mosquito born milaria is present, therefor it is the most common single cell disorder among African Americans and 1 in every 375 inherit this disease. All around the world 250,000 people on average are born with sickle cell disease each year. It is most commonly found in Africa, the Mediteranean, Arabia, and South Asia. Test for diagnosis are performed at birth called hemoglobin electrophoresis where the blood is sampled. Sickle cell disease can also be detected in an unborn fetus. The most obvious symptom is pain, which is associated with blocked blood vessels which can be severe enough for hospitalization. It can damage the spleen, lungs, and heart as well as strokes. Many cases develop anemia which leads to fatigue. There are 3 distinct types of the disease which include sickle cell anemia, SC disease, and SB disease. People with the disease have a shortened life expectancy with studies showing and average of 42 for males and 48 for females. Blood transfusions help lessen the symptoms as well as narcotics used to help lower the amount of pain. The drug hydroxyurea help prevent sickle cell's complications. The only known cure for the sickle cell disease is a bone marrow transplant but is a very high risk operation. It is more successful for kids while most adults have a tendency to reject the transplant.