Answers to your questions about Sickle Cell Disease.
An inherited genetic blood disorder, where hemoglobin polymerizes, causing red blood cells to become sickle in shape & sticky. As a result, the blockage in the capillaries that can lead to painful episodes called pain crises, and limits the transmission of oxygen to vital organs.
Sickle Cell Trait (AS) is not Sickle Cell Disease. It is the carrier state of the disease and can never turn into Sickle Cell Disease.
A highly trained Medical Physician, who studies and specializes in diseases and disorders of the blood.
No, Sickle Cell Disease is not a death sentence. Although the average age of someone living with Sickle Cell Disease is 60 years old, for those suffering from genotype SC; and between 42- 45 years old, for those suffering from genotype SS. However, it should be noted, individuals living with SCD live relatively fruitful and productive lives and some Warriors are reaching into their 80’s.
Sickle Cell Disease is diagnosed in the United States through a newborn screening blood test via the prick of a heel. SCD can also be diagnosed by an electrophoresis test or HPLC to test for the combined confirmation of Thalassemia.
No, Sickle Cell Disease is not a “black person’s” disease. The disease can affect those from India, the Mediterranean region, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Sickle cells can cause an array of issues. The most common conditions associated with Sickle Cell Disease are gallstones, painful vaso-occlusive crisis, chronic pain, avascular necrosis, stroke, delayed puberty, acute chest syndrome, splenic sequestration, jaundice, and renal issues.
Globally, it is unknown how many people have sickle cell disease. In the USA approximately 100,000 individuals live with sickle cell disease.
There is no universal cure for Sickle Cell Disease. However, there are curative options available such as Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplant. Such curative methods are limited in reach, scope, and scale. Gene therapy is now being tested with hopes of promising results.
No. Sickle Cell Disease is not contagious. It is an inherited blood disorder.
