Sicle Cell
...in blood flow and deprives body tissues of their necessary oxygen. Without oxygen, cells begin to die and tissues suffer damage. These episodes are painful for the patient, but they are not permanent. Sickled red cells eventually regain their normal round shape when they are re-oxygenated and re-hydrated. Sickling can be triggered whenever the rate of blood flow is reduced, or when the body's supply of water or oxygen decreased. Some causes of sickling are dehydration, cold temperatures, a change in available oxygen or air pressure, and fever or a viral infection. Symptoms of the sickle cell anemia appear at about six months of age. Symptoms may be enlargement of the abdomen and heart, painful swelling of the hands and feet, anemia, aplastic crisis, acute chest syndrome, infections, splenic sequestration crisis, stroke, slow growth, and leg ulcers. In adolescence, sexual maturation may be delayed. The disturbances in blood flow associated with the disease also dispose affected persons to infections and leg ulcers. These symptoms are due to the change in hemoglobin, which changes shape when the amount of oxygen in the blood is reduced for any reason. The red blood cell in which the hemoglobin is contained changes its shape as well, from round to crescent (sickle shaped). The sickle-shaped red cells interfere with normal blood flow by plugging up small blood vessels. Early detection of sickle cell anemia can save lives. Newborn screening can be done before babies leave the hospital. Infants who are found to have sickle cell disease can be immediately entered into a program of pediatric care. Treatment for older patients are to take a daily multivitamin, decrease or avoid stress, Eat a well-balanced, highly nutritious diet, take all medications exactly as prescribed, drink plenty of fluids each day, get yearly eye exams from an ophthalmologist, and to learn all you can about sickle cell disease. The first effective drug treatment for adults with severe sickle cell anemia was reported in 1995. A study conducted by the NHLBI showed that daily doses of the anticancer drug, hydroxyurea, reduced the rate of painful crises. The study also found that those taking the drug needed fewer blood transfusions. Blood transfusions can correct anemia by boosting the number of normal red blood cells in circulation. In ch...