Question 1

does high reticulocyte count mean sickle cell crisis?

Accepted Answer

Need trend....: A high reticulocyte count means your body is revved up to make red blood cells. Tracking this number for someone with a hemolytic anemia is sometimes very useful to know what is going on. Every person is different, so knowing what the reticulocyte count is during healthy times is essential to know how to interpret it when the person may be in crisis.

Question 2

is sickle cell anemia hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Sickle cell anemia is due to a genetic mutation in the dna that encodes for the hemoglobin molecule.  Thus, it is hereditary.

Question 3

how is sickle cell anemia detected?

Accepted Answer

Blood test: Every newborn baby undergoes "newborn screening" test before they are released from hospital.  Most of abnormal hemoglobins, e.g. Hemoglobin s in sickle cell disease,  are detected.

Question 4

how dangerous is sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

More info needed: Patients with sickle cell anemia have greater tendency for severe anemia and infection.  Usually children have more difficulties.  Sometimes frequent transfusion is needed to assist in crises, or to suppress sickle hemoglobin and decrease sickling issues which can  be very painful.  Hydroxyurea is used to help symptoms and to increase fetal hemoglobin, vaccinations, and antibiotics help.  See  MD.

Question 5

what are the tests for sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Hb electrophoresis: CBC and hemoglobin electrophoresis have to be done -at  least- to make a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia.

Question 6

what is the symptoms of sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Many.: Basically, sickle cell disease causes disturbance of the blood vessels, typically smaller vessels. Over time, this can cause many problems.  Painful episodes, eye problems, lung problems (similar to pneumonia), strokes, decreased spleen function (which can cause severe infections), kidney problems, and o ther problems.  Sickle cell disease is not the same in all people.  Some have milder symptoms.

Question 7

what kind of disorder is sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Genetic: With ss disease a genetic mutation changes the gene sequencing needed for normal hemoglobin production.The alteration changes the way the hemoglobin handles the oxygen molecule as it carries it in the blood.The blood cell then becomes distorted in the small capillaries and the spleen.The cell breaks down rapidly and or remains trapped.Anemia is a chronic problem.

Question 8

how to detect if one has sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

The best test: Is a hemoglobin electrophoresis.

Question 9

what makes sickle cell anemia so significant?

Accepted Answer

Complications: Sickle cell anemia is associated with major life-threatening complications. These include stroke, pneumonias, anemia, chest syndrome, eye problems, bone pain, transfusion requirements, etc. A well supported treatment plan is essential for management and some patients benefit with treatments such as Hydrea (hydroxyurea) and transplant.

Question 10

what are the symptoms of sickle cell anemia like?

Accepted Answer

Pain.: When red cells sickle, they become rigid and block the flow of blood.  If this happens in muscle or bone, the result is pain.  In the lung it's pain and shortness of breath.  In the brain, it can cause a stroke.  Any organ can be effected.  A painful crisis happens when blood flow is interrupted.  They are episodic and unpredictable.

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Reticulocyte count sickle cell

A member asked:

Does high reticulocyte count mean sickle cell crisis?

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Is sickle cell anemia hereditary?

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How is sickle cell anemia detected?

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How dangerous is sickle cell anemia?

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What are the tests for sickle cell anemia?

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What is the symptoms of sickle cell anemia?

A member asked:

What kind of disorder is sickle cell anemia?

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How to detect if one has sickle cell anemia?

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What makes sickle cell anemia so significant?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of sickle cell anemia like?

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