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Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited blood disorders characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin, called hemoglobin S or sickle hemoglobin, in red blood cells.
The most common and severe form is sickle cell anemia in individuals with SCD, red blood cells, which are typically round and flexible, become rigid and shaped like a crescent or sickle.
These sickle-shaped cells can clump together and block blood flow in small blood vessels, leading to pain and potential organ damage.
The blocked blood flow can cause episodes known as sickle cell crises, which are painful and can lead to serious complications.
Facts that you need to know about Sickle Cell disease:
Genetic Basis
Sickle cell disease is caused by a mutation in the HBB gene, which encodes the beta-globin subunit of hemoglobin. The most common form is sickle cell anemia (HbSS).
Inheritance
It is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Both parents must carry the sickle cell trait (HbAS) for a child to inherit the disease.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include anemia, episodes of pain (sickle cell crises), swelling in hands and feet, frequent infections, and delayed growth in children.
Complications
SCD can lead to severe complications such as stroke, acute chest syndrome, organ damage, blindness, leg ulcers and increased risk of infections.
Diagnosis
Newborn screening programs test for SCD. Diagnosis is confirmed by blood tests, such as hemoglobin electrophoresis.
Treatment
Treatments include pain management, blood transfusions, hydroxyurea and bone marrow or stem cell transplants.
Life Expectancy
With advances in treatment, many people with SCD can live into their 40s or 50s, but life expectancy can still be reduced compared to the general population.
Celebrities battling the illness are below:
Kayetorwa( Kenyan Tiktoker)
Akuku Danger(Kenyan content creator)
Beenie man (Jamaican dancehall DJ)
Adenkule Gold (Nigerian Singer)
Dexter Darden( American actor)
Ramon Reed(American actor)
