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Sickle cell disease, which is caused by an abnormal protein in red blood cells, primarily affects people of African or Hispanic descent and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute:
- In the United States, 1 in 13 African-American babies have Sickle Cell Gene Disease;
- One in every 365 American-born African-American babies has sickle cell disease;
- About 100,000 Americans have sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell disease can vary in severity in patients with acute and chronic symptoms. They include jaundice, fatigue, fever, swelling of the hands and feet, episodes of pain, frequent infections, vision problems and stunting in infants and children.
Complications of sickle cell disease can lead to strokes, organ damage, blindness, heart disease, gallstones, leg ulcers and risky pregnancy.
The only known cure for sickle cell disease is a bone marrow transplant. However, patients may consider other treatments, such as regular antibiotics to prevent infections; hydroxyurea, a drug effective in reducing the complications of sickle cell disease; and regular blood transfusions
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