Sickle-cell

Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is a group of blood disorders typically inherited from a person's parents. The most common type is known as sickle-cell anaemia (SCA). It results in an abnormality in the oxygen-carrying protein haemoglobin found in red blood cells. This leads to a rigid, sickle-like shape under certain circumstances. Problems in sickle cell disease typically begin around 5 to 6 months of age. A number of health problems may develop, such as attacks of pain ("sickle-cell crisis"), anemia, swelling in the hands and feet, bacterial infections, and stroke. Long-term pain may develop as people get older. The average life expectancy in the developed world is 40 to 60 years.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Sickle-cell disease occurs when a person inherits two abnormal copies of the haemoglobin gene, one from each parent. This gene occurs in chromosome 11. Several subtypes exist, depending on the exact mutation in each haemoglobin gene. An attack can be set off by temperature changes, stress, dehydration, and high altitude.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

A blood test can be performed to check for haemoglobin S. Sickle-cell disease is a genetic disorder that can be detected during pregnancy or after birth by a simple blood test. Sickle-cell disease can also be identified before birth by testing a sample of amniotic fluid or tissue from the placenta. This test looks for the sickle cell gene.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatments might include medications to reduce pain and prevent complications, blood transfusions, and supplemental oxygen, as well as a bone marrow transplant.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Sickle-cell Resources
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