Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited condition. It mainly affects African-Americans but can also affect other ethnic groups such as Hispanics and those of Mediterranean descent. Many people are carriers of gene mutations but don’t have symptoms – this is called sickle cell trait. However if both parents have sickle cell trait, then there is a one in four chance that their child will have sickle cell disease. A simple blood test can tell you if you are a carrier for a sickle cell mutation.
More information: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/28/health/sickle-cell-genetic-testing.html
Sickle Cell Disease is a disorder where patients’ red blood cells are shaped liked curved sickles rather than healthy, round cells. These sickle cells die quickly, leaving patients with a shortage of red blood cells. Due to their shape,these cells can also clog up blood vessels and obstruct blood flow, causing severe pain often in the form of intense, periodic episodes. Other symptoms can include swelling in the hands and feet, vision problems or delayed growth/puberty.
Sickle Cell patients are also at high risk of stroke, especially from ages 2-5 and 30-50 years.
How can Sickle Cell Disease be treated?
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is genetic or inherited from ones parents so there is no cure for it. However, there are treatments for pain management and stroke prevention available. During pain crises, SCD patients can be admitted to hospitals and receive healthy blood transfusions.
Patients can also ask their doctors about the medications on the market for symptom management. However, one of the most important treatments for SCD patients is stroke preventing ultrasounds.
Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasounds can be used to determine whether or not a person is about to have a stroke. Sickle Cell patients should be screened for strokes using TCD at least once a year. This service is currently available at Yale New Haven Hospital.
Do you have Sickle Cell Disease? Join the SCD community in Connecticut!
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America
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