WHAT IS SICKLE CELL DISEASE?

People who have sickle cell trait (SCT) inherit a hemoglobin “S” gene from one parent and a normal gene (one that codes for hemoglobin “A”) from the other parent. People with SCT usually do not have any of the signs of the disease. However, in rare cases, a person with SCT may develop health problems; this occurs most often when there are other stresses on the body, such as when a person becomes dehydrated or exercises strenuously. Additionally, people who have SCT can pass the abnormal hemoglobin “S” gene on to their children.

S is an abnormal form of hemoglobin that causes the red cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped. This is called sickle cell anemia and is usually the most severe form of the disease.

In a meeting with a Red Cross representative, she explained the importance of African Americans donating blood, and it was stated. Caucasian would not have the same blood type to help with sickle cell.

acute chest syndrome, and stroke.

By James W. Wade III Editor

We face various health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and Sickle Cell. People with this form of SCD inherit two genes, one from each parent, that code for hemoglobin “S.” Hemoglobin

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen. Healthy red blood cells are round and move through small blood vessels to carry oxygen to all body parts. In someone with SCD, the hemoglobin is abnormal, which causes the red blood cells to become stiff and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle.” The sickle cells die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells. Also, when they travel through small blood vessels, they get stuck and clog the blood flow. This can cause pain and other serious complications (health problems) such as infection,

SCD is diagnosed with a simple blood test. In children born in the United States, it is most often found at birth during routine newborn screening tests at the hospital. In addition, SCD can be diagnosed while the baby is in the womb. Diagnostic tests before the baby is born, such as chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis, can check for chromosomal or genetic abnormalities in the baby. Chorionic villus sampling tests a tiny piece of the placenta called the chorionic villus. Amniocentesis tests a small sample of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. Because children with SCD are at an increased risk of infection and other health problems, early diagnosis and treatment are essential.

Sickle cell anemia is rare in the United States, affecting about 100,000 people. It primarily affects people whose ancestry links back to parts of the world where many people have malaria and carry a gene that partially protects against anemia. This gene also causes sickle cell anemia. In the United States, sickle cell anemia affects many people who are Black. It may also affect people from southern European, Middle Eastern, or Asian Indian ancestry.

Anyone with sickle cell anemia, including babies, is at risk for stroke. Approximately 11% of people with sickle cell anemia have strokes by age 20, and 24% have strokes by age 45. Here is information on stroke symptoms:

•Severe headache.

•Sudden weakness on one side of your or your child’s body.

•Change in alertness.

•Trouble speaking.

•Trouble seeing.

•Trouble walking.

Splenetic sequestration

This happens when sickled cells become stuck in your spleen, forcing your spleen to get larger. Splenic sequestration often causes acute anemia. Symptoms include:

•Pain in your upper left belly (abdomen).

Children’s enlarged spleens are sometimes visible or can be felt through their skin.

Bacterial infections

People with sickle cell anemia have an increased risk for infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and non-Typhi Salmonella species. Symptoms include:

•Fever.

•Coughing.

•Trouble breathing.

•Pain in bones.

•Headaches.

The Red Cross needs your help battling this disease; they ask you to consider donating blood to help Sickle Cell patients. Who better to help than African Americans? Visit their website for more information at RedCrossBlood.org.