GENETIC ENGINEERING: GENETIC DISEASES

Sickle Cell Anaemia: Symptoms

   Teens with sickle cell anemia may develop jaundice (pronounced: jon-dis), a condition that results from the high rate of red blood cell breakdown. Jaundice can cause the skin and the whites of a person's eyes to develop a yellowish tint.

People with sickle cell anemia also may have bouts of pain in the chest, stomach, arms, legs, or other parts of the body. This is caused by sickle cells blocking blood flow through the blood vessels. Feeling tired and having trouble fighting infections are also common among teens with sickle cell anemia, and they may grow more slowly and reach puberty later than other teens.

Periods of pain are commonly referred to as crises, which vary in their severity, how often they happen, and how long they last. Whereas one person may have only one sickle cell crisis a year, another may experience crises more often. Crises may be brief, or may last hours, days, or even weeks. Symptoms can develop in any body organ or tissue and include aching arms, legs, hips, and shoulders. When people with sickle cell disease get acute chest syndrome, they may have severe chest and abdominal pain, fever, cough, and trouble breathing.

Early diagnosis and prevention of complications is critical in sickle
cell disease treatment. Other treatment may include:

pain medications (for sickle cell crises)

drinking plenty of water daily (eight to 10 glasses) or receiving
fluid intravenously (to prevent and treat pain crises)

blood transfusions
For anemia and to prevent stroke, blood transfusions may be used.
Transfusions are also used to dilute the HbS with normal hemoglobin to
treat chronic pain, acute chest syndrome, splenic sequestration, and
other emergencies.

penicillin (to prevent infections)

folic acid (to help prevent severe anemia)

Hydroxyurea - a medication that has recently been developed that may
help reduce the frequency of pain crises and acute chest syndrome. It
may also help decrease the need for frequent blood transfusions. The
long-term effects of the medication, however, are unknown.

Bone marrow transplant  - has been effective in curing some persons with
sickle cell disease; the decision to undergo this procedure is based
on the severity of the disease and ability to find a suitable bone
marrow donor. These decisions need to be discussed with your
physician.

There is no cure for sickle cell anemia, and it is possible for some people to die from the disease.