Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder caused by a mutation in the gene that produces hemoglobin, leading to deformed red blood cells that can block blood flow and cause severe pain, anemia, and organ damage. Patients experience various complications, with symptoms ranging from fatigue and increased infections to strokes and delayed growth, significantly impacting their quality of life. Although there is currently no cure, advances in treatment, such as hydroxyurea, have improved life expectancy and management of the disease.

1. Sickel Cell Anemia Essay examples
Sickle Cell anemia is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders, or a collection of recessive
genetic disorders characterized by a hemoglobin variant called Hb S. Normal red blood cells are
round like doughnuts, and they move through small blood tubes in the body to deliver oxygen.
Sickle red blood cells become hard, sticky and shaped like sickles used to cut wheat. When these
hard and pointed red cells go through the small blood tube, they clog the flow and break apart.
This can cause pain, damage and a low blood count, or anemia. There is a substance in the red cell
called hemoglobin that carries oxygen inside the cell. One little change in this substance causes the
hemoglobin to form long hard rods in the red cell when it gives...show more content...
The spleen, acting as a policeman, traps and destroys many of the abnormal sickle cells, resulting in
rapid turnover of red blood cells and chronic anemia.
This anemia results in fatigue and a number of the following problems;pain episodes, strokes,
susceptibility to bacterial infections, particularly in children, leg ulcers, bone damage, yellow eyes
or jaundice, early gallstones, lung blockage, increased infections, kidney damage and loss of body
water in urine, painful erections in men, blood blockage in the spleen or liver, eye damage, low red
blood cell counts (anemia), and delayed growth.
Each year in the US, an average of 75,000 hospitalizations are due to sickle cell disease, costing
approximately $475 million. Sickle cell disease is also associated with significant mortality. Among
children, the primary causes of mortality are bacterial infections and stroke. In adults, it is more
difficult to attribute specific causes to mortality, but it appears that individuals with more indicative
disease are at risk for early mortality.
Tremendous advances in detection and treatment mean that most patients now survive to adulthood,
many into their 50s and 60s and beyond. Some patients lead fairly normal lives, attending school
and work with only occasional pain episodes and only slowly progressive organ damage.
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2. Sickle Cell Anemia Essay
The sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. People with sickle
cell have red blood cells that have mostly hemoglobin's, Sometimes these red blood cells become
sickle–shaped or crescent shaped and have trouble going through small blood vessels.
When sickle–shaped cells block small blood vessels, less blood can get to that part of the body.
Tissue that does not get a normal blood flow eventually becomes damaged.This is what causes the
problems of sickle cell disease.As to this day there is really no cure for sickle cell disease.Red blood
cells take oxygen from the air we breathe into our lungs to all parts of the body.
Oxygen is carried in red blood cells by a substance called hemoglobin(Hemoglobin –...show more
content...
Like most genes, hemoglobin genes are inherited in two sets...one from each parent(Ex. If one parent
has Sickle Cell
Anemia and the other is Normal, all of the children will have sickle cell trait. 4 If one parent has
sickle cell anemia and the other has sickle cell trait, there is a 50% chance (or 1 out of 2) of having a
baby with either sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait with each pregnancy,When both parents have
sickle cell trait, they have a 25% chance (1 of 4) of having a baby with sickle cell disease with each
pregnancy). HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU
HAVE THIS TRAIT A SIMPLE PAINLESS
BLOOD TEST followed by a laboratory technique called Hemoglobin Electrophoresis will determine
the type of hemoglobin you have. When you pass an electric charge through a solution of
hemoglobin, distinct hemoglobins move different distances, depending on their composition. This
technique differentiates between normal hemoglobin (A), Sickle hemoglobin (S), and other different
kinds of hemoglobin (such as C, D, E,).
Medical Problems Sickle cells are destroyed rapidly in the body of people with the disease causing
anemia, jaundice and the formation of gallstones. The sickle cells also block the flow of blood
through vessels resulting in lung tissue damage (acute chest syndrome), pain episodes
(arms, legs, chest and abdomen), stroke and priapism (painful prolonged erection). It
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3. Sickle Cell Anemia Essay
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is caused by a defect in the gene that controls the production of normal
hemoglobin, which is an iron–containing protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the
lungs to body tissues. The defective gene results in the production of abnormal hemoglobin
known as hemoglobin S. If you have the disorder, you inherited one gene for hemoglobin S from
each of your parents. The gene is recessive, so if you received a copy of the gene from just one
parent, you are a carrier of the sickle cell gene.Under certain conditions, after hemoglobin S releases
its oxygen, its molecules clump together forming rigid and elongated crystals. The crystals settle to
one side of the cell, which collapses the...show more content...
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
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4. Sickle Cell Disease Essay
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Disease is an illness that affects people all across the globe. This paper will give a
description of the sickness through the discussion of the causes, symptoms, and possible cures.
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a "group of inherited red blood cell disorders."(1) These disorders can
have various afflictions, such as pain, damage and a low blood count––Sickle Cell Anemia.
The overall incidence of SCD is eight out of 100,000 people. However, it is much more
widespread in some people. "One out of 600 African Americans and one out of 1,000 to 1, 400
Hispanic Americans" are affected. (2). However, there are other populations who are especially
affected, as well. These include, but are not...show more content...
In order to get Sickle Cell Anemia, you must have the Sickle Cell Trait. This is defined as "A
person who carries one sickle hemoglobin producing gene inherited from their parents and one
normal hemoglobin gene." (3) People who only have one copy of the mutation have the trait. "It
is estimated that 1 in 12 African Americans has sickle cell trait." (3) Having the trait will NOT
cause SCD. However, having the gene does allow you to pass the mutation on to your children. In
fact, "A child conceived by two people with sickle cell trait has one chance in two of also having
sickle cell trait, one chance in four of having sickle cell anemia."(3)
Now that the disease is more clearly defined, we must ask, why did this illness come about? This is
one of the most interesting facts about Sickle Cell. Since the trait originated in countries that were
ravaged by malaria, it could be said that this trait evolved to fight the deadly mosquito–spread
disease. "People with sickle trait were more likely to survive malaria outbreaks in Africa than those
with normal hemoglobin, it is believed that genetically aberrant hemoglobin evolved as a protection
against malaria."(2) It has also been said that, "People with a single copy of a particular genetic
mutation [sickle cell trait] have a survival advantage. One copy of the mutation confers a benefit."
(3) Its quite interesting to find that original purpose of this gene was
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5. Essay on Sickle Cell Anemia
Abstract
Sickle Cell Anemia is a hereditary disease that changes the smallest and most important components
of the body. A gene causes the bone marrow in the body to make sickled shapes, when this happens;
it causes the red blood cell to die faster. This is what causes Hemolytic Anemia. Older children and
adults with sickle cell disease may experience a few complications, or have a pattern of ongoing
problems that shorten their lives. The most common and serious complications of sickle cell disease
are anemia, pain, fatigue, and organ failure. Today there are many alternatives and opportunities that
a sickle cell patient may consider. One outlined in this paper is the Hydroxyurea method.
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle Cell Anemia takes...show more content...
Thousands of years ago, a genetic mutation occurred in people from the Mediterranean basin,
India, Africa, and the Middle East. As the Malaria Epidemic attacked people of these countries,
carriers of the defective hemoglobin gene survived. Carrying one defective gene means that a
person has a sickle cell trait. Two parents with the trait will produce a child with sickle cell anemia.
People of these countries migrated and spread to other areas. In the Western Hemisphere, where
malaria is not much of a problem, having the abnormal hemoglobin gene has lost its advantage. Any
child born from parents that each has the trait will be born with the disease.
Approximately, two million Americans carry the sickle cell trait. 72,000 people are affected by
sickle cell anemia in the U.S., most of whose ancestors had come from sub Saharan Africa, Spanish
speaking regions, and Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Greece, and Italy. In Hispanic
American births, one in every thousand people acquire sickle cell anemia. The symptoms created by
the blockage of blood flow can vary from patient to patient. Some have milder symptoms than others.
Physicians use Hand–foot syndrome on patients to determine the disease. Sickle cells that clog
small blood vessels in the hands and feet are one characteristic of the disease. Symptoms the patient
suffers are swelling of the hands, feet and various joints. The pain
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6. Sickle Cell Anemia Essay
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease in which the body is unable to produce normal
hemoglobin, an iron–containing protein. Sickle cell anemia is a disease in which the body is unable
to produce normal hemoglobin, an iron–containing protein. Abnormal hemoglobin can change cells
that can become stuck in narrow blood vessels, blocking oxygen from reaching organs and tissues.
Tissue that does not get a normal blood flow eventually becomes damaged. This is what causes the
problems of sickle cell disease. As to this day there is really no cure for Sickle Cell Disease. I choose
to topic because there are a number of persons in my family who have Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
From personal experience I knew that the disease could take a toll on...show more content...
The restriction of oxygen from the organs reduces the functioning of the organs, which control our
immune systems, which normally help people fight fevers and infections. The lack of oxygen also
causes the skin to change its pigmentation. After learning the physical traits of SCD, I begin to
wonder if Sickle Cell Disease had just as much of a neurological impact on a child as much as it did
physically.
In the early years of the disease there was an absence any neurological findings. Recent research
still leaves little to be said about Sickle Cell Disease; but there has been a connection mad between
Sickle Cell Disease children who experience a stroke and cognitive functioning.
"One of the most significant potential effects of SCD that can negatively impact a child's school
functioning is a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke. Although most children with SCD will
not experience a stroke, those who do are at risk for educational problems associated with
neuropsychological deficits. Approximately 7% to 17% of all patients with SCD will experience
a stroke. The mean age of stroke in these patients is 7 years with most occurring before the age of
15 years (Powars, Wilson, Imbus, Pegelow, & Allen, 1978; Wood, 1978). Importantly, children with
SCD who suffer a stroke are at high risk for subsequent strokes within three years following the
initial incident (Portnoy &
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7. Sickle Cell Essay
Sickle cell disease is the group of inherited disorder of the red blood cells that is characterize by
abnormal hemoglobin. The red blood cells in sickle cell disease are rigid and sickle shape. Many
complications arise due to the sickle shaped cells because these cells are not flexible as compare to
normal red blood cells and and causes destruction and blockage of red blood flow. The most
common form of sickle cell disease is autosomal recessive disorder is sickle cell anemia.
Sickle cell anemia was first described by J. Herrick in 1910 (1) and he found that the hemoglobin
plays important role in transporting oxygen to red blood cell and transporting low oxygen to red
blood cell results in the sickle shaped red blood cells. Since sickle shaped red...show more content...
The sickle cell anemia can occur early in the life and early diagnosis is very crucial. The
complication in person with sickle cell anemia arise around 5 to 6 months. Since this condition
typically shows autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance, type of hemoglobin affected depends on
which gene are inherited from his/her parents. For example, there are 50% chances of developing
sickle–cell anemia with HbS in red blood cells and 50% chances of having sickle cell trait with Hb A
and HbS if one parent has sickle cell anemia and other parent has sickle cell trait. The sickle cell
anemia effect both the gender equally.
The diagnosis of sickle cell anemia can be done by many methods. The shape of red blood cells
which will be sickled shaped in case of sickle cell anemia and It can be check under microscope for
a initial diagnoses. The most common method for the analysis of abnormal hemoglobin is protein
electrophoresis. In protein electrophoresis, normal individual will show one band for hemoglobin
A(HbA) and this method is not expensive and it is used world
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8. Essay on Sickle Cell Anemia
Introduction Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal–recessive inheritance that results from a
alteration in the gene responsible for the hemoglobin production. A healthy hemoglobin A is
produced under normal circumstances, but for people with SCD they produce a sickle hemoglobin
S. (Gill, V., 2010) Unlike normalhemoglobin A, hemoglobin S has a tendency to agglutinate, or
clump together, when the oxygen supply is decreased. As a result, the red blood cells take on a rigid
or "sickle" shape causing the diameter of the cells to increase relative to the size of normal red blood
cells. These sickled cells block the blood vessels causing compromised blood supply to the tissues
and bones, resulting in a vaso–occlusive crisis. (Jisieike,...show more content...
During a crisis a patient may report symptoms of fever, swelling of the hands and feet, swelling
of the abdomen and lower left side, and pain in the joints, chest or muscles. (Gill, V., 2010) Once
a patient has had vaso–occlusive pain over a long period of time, the pain is similar from one
crisis to another, and it usually occurs at the same site. (Wright, K., & Adeosun, O., 2009) Vaso
–
occlusive crises can occur spontaneously or they may be triggered by cold weather, anxiety,
infection, physical activity or high altitude. (Jisieike, C., 2007) Due to the recurring pain that a
patient has, they also experience psychological symptoms
associated with the disease. Many children with SCD shows signs of impaired growth and
delayed sexual maturation. This may lead to poor self–esteem and depression, resulting in a
disturbance of one's body image. Children may also develop anticipatory anxiety due to the
uncertainty of their condition. (Jisieike, C., 2007) Planning
The patient in a vaso–occlusive crisis may have acute pain related to tissue hypoxia due to
agglutination of sickled cells within the blood vessels. Managing symptoms and preventing
crises and complications are the main focus for a SCD patient. Pain is a recurring factor, and the
main goal is to determine what pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures can be used to
keep the recurring pain under

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