They're carriers of the disease, however, which means they can pass the gene to their children. For a baby to be born with sickle cell anemia, both parents must carry a sickle cell gene. In the United States, sickle cell anemia most commonly affects black people.
If you carry the sickle cell trait, seeing a genetic counselor before trying to conceive can help you understand your risk of having a child with sickle cell anemia. They can also explain possible treatments, preventive measures and reproductive options. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.
This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Sickle cell anemia Open pop-up dialog box Close. Sickle cell anemia Normal red blood cells are rounded and disk-shaped.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Field JJ , et al. Overview of the management and prognosis of sickle cell disease. Accessed Dec. Sickle cell disease. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Mayo Clinic; What is sickle cell disease? Treatment often requires emergency transfusion of normal blood. The first, occurring more frequently in children than in adults, happens when a blood vessel in the brain becomes damaged or blocked with sickle cells. The other occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures.
These ulcers occur on the lower third of the leg around the ankle bones. An individual may develop one or several ulcers; they cause severe pain and often take months to heal. Damage to the spleen begins at 6 months of age. A splenic crisis occurs when the spleen becomes blocked with sickle cells. The spleen may enlarge and cause intense abdominal pain. Depending on the type of splenic crisis, either the spleen swells full of blood or the blocked blood flow causes damage and death to parts of the spleen.
Loss of splenic function increases the risk of serious blood infections. While multiple organ failure rarely occurs in adults with properly managed sickle cell disease, it is a serious complication. It can occur during an unusually intense and severe pain crisis. We may also discuss your family history and review newborn screening results.
Adult sickle cell disease requires ongoing monitoring and treatment , even when you feel healthy. Sickle cell disease is a lifelong condition that requires close monitoring by health care providers who specialize in managing and treating adult sickle cell disease.
We use a holistic treatment approach, focusing on both the medical and psychosocial needs of our patients. The primary goals of adult sickle cell disease treatment are to control symptoms and reduce the number of pain crises. Testing the bilirubin and serum creatinine levels in your blood can help us better manage your sickle cell disease.
People with sickle cell anemia are at risk for developing jaundice and painful gallstones caused by too much bilirubin because their red blood cells die much more rapidly than those of healthy individuals. We monitor bilirubin so we can take measures to lower your levels and reduce your chance getting gallstones. This test evaluates kidney function. People with sickle cell disease can experience diminished kidney function and intense pain when sickle cells block tiny blood vessels in the kidneys.
When the kidneys are not functioning properly, creatinine levels in the blood rise. Here are some other ways you can manage your adult sickle cell disease to help prevent complications. Be sure to stay hydrated and take a folic acid vitamin supplement every day. The body needs folic acid to produce red blood cells. Your health information, right at your fingertips.
Read the Latest. Who Sickle Cell Disease Affects Over 70, Americans, and millions globally, have sickle cell disease and suffer from its complications. While sickle cell disease typically affects those with African heritage and Hispanics with Caribbean ancestry, other heritages found to carry the trait include: Indian Mediterranean Latin American Native American Middle Eastern Sickle Cell Anemia When your red blood cell count is lower than normal, your doctor will refer to the condition as anemia.
Healthy red blood cells versus sickle cells Healthy Red Blood Cells Sickle Cells Have a disc-like shape with a concave center — much like a doughnut without a hole. Have a crescent or sickle shape. Glide easily through blood vessels. Stick together in clumps and become lodged in blood vessels. Carry oxygen to all parts of the body and remove carbon dioxide. Have a life cycle of about days. The bone marrow constantly makes new red blood cells to replace the ones that die.
Only live for 10 to 20 days. The bone marrow cannot produce red blood cells quickly enough to replace the dying sickle cells. Complications from sickle cell disease cause other types of symptoms. Also have the gene for normal hemoglobin, HbA. If the other parent also passes the HbS gene trait to their child, that child will have sickle cell disease. Factors that may increase this risk, include: Severe dehydration Extreme physical exertion Exposure to very high altitude Sickle Cell Gene Variations The various sickle cell gene variations cause different forms of the disease.
If it's not treated quickly, damage can cause problems with getting erections later on. Stroke: Sickle-shaped cells can block small blood vessels in the brain, causing a stroke. Signs can include headache, seizure , weakness of the arms and legs, speech problems, a facial droop, or loss of consciousness. What Causes Sickle Cell Disease? Their plan might involve: Immunizations and daily doses of penicillin to help prevent infection. Besides having all recommended childhood vaccinations, teens with sickle cell disease should get the pneumococcal, flu , and meningococcal vaccines.
Taking folic acid supplements to help them make new red blood cells. Taking hydroxyurea, a medicine that makes sickled red blood cells less sticky.
This helps people have fewer painful episodes and other complications. Hydroxyurea needs to be taken every day. Taking L-glutamine, another medicine that is newly approved for sickle cell disease.
Taking medicines to help when pain does happen. Getting blood transfusions. When Should I Call the Doctor? To manage sickle cell disease: Go to all doctor's visits and share any concerns or new symptoms. Avoid your pain crisis triggers, such as extreme temperatures or stress. Talk to your doctor about which activities are right for you and which you should avoid.
Don't smoke , drink alcohol, or use drugs. Drink lots of liquids and get enough rest.
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