what is Sickle Cell Anaemia?

Answer 1

it is a disease of the red blood cells in the body - they are a different shape to normal. this can cause them to clump together and block veins and things like that.

although it can be fatal, it is usually a lifelong illness that can cause a lot of pain for the sufferer.

Answer 2

Sickle cell anemia is an abnormal deformity of a biconcave hemoglobin disc into a rigid sickle like shape that has the capability to obstruct peripheral or capillary blood flow. The sickle cells have low affinity to oxygen and that causes deoxygenation that starts that vicious cycle which eventually results for these cells to deform and later lodge on small blood vessel where they gather, cull and later destroyed.

This type of hematologic problem are usually seen in approximately 8 percent of african americans heterozygous for hemoglobin S. It is known that the gene frequency are highest in Africa, particularly Nigeria where Malaria is endemic where heterozygote gained slight protection against Falciparum malaria.

The damage caused by sickling of the hemoglobin loses intracellular potassium and water leading to the formation of the irriversibly sickle forms. This causes several clinical manifastations involving different organ systems aside from anemia. Long standing disease will finally develop problems involving the heart and the lungs, the liver and biliary tree, the skeletal system, the eyes, the skin and the brain.

Current treatment are most supportive and conservative. Watch out for infections because this can an aplastic crisis where red blood cell production is further suppressed adding more insult to the anemic condition already present. Blood transfusion is seldom needed but if required a red blood cell transfusion (not whole blood)be done if proven necessary.

Prevention plays an important role wherein both parents who are heterozygous for the gene should be informed to expect a 25 percent chance of having a sickle cell oofspring. A sickle cell diagnosis can be done now at the first trimester of pregnancy (approx. first 3 months). This may help the parents to decide to either terminate the pregnancy or not.

Answer 3

Sickle Cell Anemia is an inherited autosomal dominant disorder. The person makes an abnormal hemoglobin than in certain situations causes the shape of the red blood cell to change it's normal biconcave disc shape to that of a sickle. These abnormal red blood cells can block small arteries throughout the body causing severe pain and can cause strokes as well. This inherited condition is prevalent in blacks and when only one gene is present is called Sickle Cell trait. Individuals with the trait have limited symptoms and may be immune to malaria.

Answer 4

Sickle Cell Anaemia is a inherited disease that particularly affects those from Africa, the Caribbean, the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East and Asia.

For a better, more detailed description see the following links:

Answer 5

The sickle cells are a form of protection against malaria
Sickle cell sufferers are many times less likely to get this disease.
Evolution in action!

Answer 6

Sickle cell anemia is a blood disorder that affects hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen throughout the body.

Answer 7

It is a disease which occurs at the molecular level. Red blood cells become sickled- their shape is distorted and they cannot effectively transport oxygen. This leads to various horrible symptoms including intesne paina nd can even kill. It is most common in afro-carribean, and to a lesser extent in hellenic and middle eastern people.