Question 1

what happens if the person who has sickle cell contacts an std?

Accepted Answer

Same as with normal: It will cause the same disease as in  a person without sickle cell disorder. The disease may be more severe in a person with sickle cell disease than in one with sickle cell trait.

Question 2

when do you test for sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis: You only need to check for sickle cell disease at first diagnosis or if both parents are known to be sickle-cell patients.  The test is for abnormal hemoglobin molecules caused by a genetic mutation.  If you are a carrier or have the disease, that will be with you for life. Subsequently, blood counts need to be done regularly if you get sickle cell episodes.

Question 3

what is the treatment for sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Chronic: Treatment focus is on maintaining hemoglobin levels, preventing "sickle crises", and preventing complications. Depending on blood levels and frequency of sickle crises an outpatient program of blood transfusions will be set up by the hematologist. Preventing complications such as strokes, pneumonias, etc. Is a goal. Hydrea (hydroxyurea) use can help in reducing crises. Some pts can get bone marrow transplants.

Question 4

can people with sickle cell anemia donate blood?

Accepted Answer

No: A diagnosis of sickle cell disease precludes donation of blood. This is not only because of the presence of the disease itself, but also because patients with sickle cell disease fail to meet the hemoglobin criteria for donors set by the red cross, which is 12.5g/dl.

Question 5

what is the best treatment for sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Fluids, pain meds: Acutely, give IV fluids and pain medication. Long term patient may need hydroxyurea, bone marrow transplant.  Watch high altitudes.  This is why the one of the pittsburgh steelers cannot play in denver any longer  because of the low o2 tension at such a high altitude.   Exchange transfusion is another method of treatment.

Question 6

can you please tell me genetics of sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Inherited disease.: Sickle cell disease is genetic and is present at birth. It is inherited when a child receives two sickle cell genes—one from each parent.  This disease is more common in blacks (people of african heritage).  Sickle cell trait occurs when one sickle cell gene (“s”) is inherited from one parent and one normal gene (“a”) from the other.  Those with trait are "carriers" and are often asymptomatic.

Question 7

can you please suggest treatment of sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

No single treatment: Comprehensive sickle cell care at any age increases life expectancy of patients with sickle cell anemia. Children form birth to 5 years of age should receive penicillin prophylaxis. Children should receive immunizations on time. Newer data suggest that most sickle cell patients, including young children, benefit from hydroxyurea. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is potentially curative.

Question 8

what are your treatment options for sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Follow up: Close follow up by hematology doctor ,hydration ,folic  acid 1 mg/day ,treatment for pain and pain crises,yearly ophthalmology to detect early retinal disease

Question 9

why's sickle cell anemia relevant to reproductive health?

Accepted Answer

Safety + children: Depending on the specifics, a woman with sickle cell may need a "high-risk" OB when she gets pregnant. Also, sickle cell is usually inherited; using in vitro fertilization (with preimplantation genetic diagnosis) we can prevent the children from inheriting the disease.

Question 10

what is the amino acid substitution in sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Valine for Glutamic: Sickle cell anemia is caused by a point mutation in the β-globin chain of hemoglobin, causing valine to replace glutamic acid (sixth position), found on chromosome 11.

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What is the amino acid substitution in sickle cell anemia?

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