Question 1

why is it important to get tested for sickle-cell anemia before couples ttc?

Accepted Answer

Why tested for sickl: There are carriers of sickle cell disease which is called sa or sickle cell trait.For a child to have sickle cell disease he/she has to have sickle cell trait present in both parents.Only if both parents test positive for sickle cell trait then there is one in four chance to have baby with sickle cell ss, anemia, and 2in four chances of sc, or sickle cell trait and1 in four chance normal infant.

Question 2

my son has the sickle cell trait and he is only 11. what important facts should i know about it?

Accepted Answer

Keep it in mind.: Sickle trait can become an issue when you visit high altitudes or when dehydrated.  Symptoms can include abdominal pain from a swelling of the spleen, or generalized pain.  Also sickle trait can be passed on.  There are parents who never knew they had sickle trait who have children who are diagnosed with sickle cell disease.  Sickle trait is typically not a problem, but keep these things in mind.

Question 3

how does the sickling of cells cause jaundicr, ulcer and episodes of pains?

Accepted Answer

Sickle cell pain: The vaso-occlusive crisis is caused by sickle-shaped red blood cells that obstruct capillaries and restrict blood flow to an organ, resulting in ischemia, pain, necrosis and often organ damage. Damage to the liver causes jaundice.The pathogenesis of chronic ulcers in scd is complex: mechanical obstruction, venous incompetence, in situ thrombosis, arteriovenous shunting, decreased local oxygen.

Question 4

what is the trend in sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Who will have it bad: The trend currently is trying to find out why some people have very little problems and others can be so troubled by this disease.  In some, the disease will cause strokes, lung problems, leg ulcers etc.  If we knew early on who would have it bad, maybe treatments could be given earlier to prevent these problems.  But not everyone has it bad, so it is hard to know.

Question 5

what are the effects of sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Reduced O2 capacity: Sickle cells do not carry oxygen the way they are supposed to. This results in less oxygen carryign capacity, and the cells will deform. As they deform, they get stuck in the capillaries -- which causes pain for the area affected. There are some forms of cancer that are related to sickle cell anemia, but they are rare.

Question 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

What are sickle cells and why are they important

A member asked:

Why is it important to get tested for sickle-cell anemia before couples ttc?

A member asked:

My son has the sickle cell trait and he is only 11. what important facts should i know about it?

A member asked:

How does the sickling of cells cause jaundicr, ulcer and episodes of pains?

A member asked:

What is the trend in sickle cell anemia?

A member asked:

What are the effects of sickle cell anemia?

A member asked:

Is sickle cell anemia hereditary?

A member asked:

How is sickle cell anemia detected?

A member asked:

How dangerous is sickle cell anemia?

A member asked:

What are the tests for sickle cell anemia?

A member asked:

What is the symptoms of sickle cell anemia?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?