Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. It is a condition that primarily affects people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian descent. In fact, one in 365 African Americans is diagnosed with the disease at birth. Sickle cell disease is caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for producing hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. This mutation causes red blood cells to become rigid and crescent-shaped, resembling a sickle. These affected red blood cells can easily get stuck in blood vessels, leading to reduced oxygen supply to various organs and tissues.
This is an inherited condition, passed down from parents to their children. To develop sickle cell disease, a person must inherit two copies of the abnormal gene, one from each parent. If a person inherits only one copy of the gene, they will have a condition called sickle cell trait, which usually does not cause symptoms. However, people who have both copies experience several common symptoms, such as severe pain, anemia, organ damage, and increased susceptibility to infections.
Although there is no cure for sickle cell disease, various treatment options are available to manage its symptoms, including blood transfusions, medications such as hydroxyurea, bone marrow transplant, and pain-alleviating medicines. Advancements in medical treatments and management strategies have significantly improved the quality of life for individuals living with the condition. To learn more about this disease, please visit the links below:
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