What type of gene mutation causes sickle cell anemia?
Sickle-cell anemia is caused by a point mutation in the β-globin chain of hemoglobin, causing the hydrophilic amino acid glutamic acid to be replaced with the hydrophobic amino acid valine at the sixth position. The β-globin gene is found on the short arm of chromosome 11.
How to diagnose and treat sickle cell anemia?
Sickle cell anemia can be diagnosed through a blood test. The blood test check for hemoglobin S – the defective form of hemoglobin make you get sickle cell anemia. Treatments of the disease include antibiotics, blood transfusion and bone marrow transplant, as well as other treatments for complications resulting from sickle cell anemia.
What race is most affected by sickle cell anemia?
What race is most affected by sickle cell anemia? People of African descent, including African-Americans (among whom 1 in 12 carries a sickle cell gene) Hispanic-Americans from Central and South America. People of Middle Eastern, Asian, Indian, and Mediterranean descent.
What are some interesting facts about sickle cell anemia?
Surprising Facts About Sickle Cell Anemia
- One Of The Most Common Genetic Disorders. Sickle cell anemia is one of the most common genetic disorders in the world today. ...
- It Can Occur In Any Ethnic Group. ...
- Sickle Cell And Malaria. ...
- It’s More Than Just Pain. ...
- Life Expectancy Has Improved. ...
- There Is A Cure For It. ...
- It’s Not Contagious. ...
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
Complications
Prevention
- Signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia usually appear around 6 months of age. They vary from person to person and may change over time. Signs and symptoms can include: 1. Anemia.Sickle cells break apart easily and die. Red blood cells usually live for about 120 days before they need to be replaced. But sickle cells typically die in 10 to 20 days, leaving a shortage of red blood cells (a…
Types of SCD
- Sickle cell anemia is caused by a change in the gene that tells the body to make the iron-rich compound in red blood cells called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. The hemoglobin associated with sickle cell anemia causes red blood cells to become rigid, sticky and misshapen. For a child to be affected, both m…
Sickle Cell Trait
- For a baby to be born with sickle cell anemia, both parents must carry a sickle cell gene. In the United States, sickle cell anemia most commonly affects people of African, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern descent.
Cause of SCD
- Sickle cell anemia can lead to a host of complications, including: 1. Stroke.Sickle cells can block blood flow to an area of the brain. Signs of stroke include seizures, weakness or numbness of the arms and legs, sudden speech difficulties, and loss of consciousness. If your child has any of these signs and symptoms, seek medical treatment immediately. A stroke can be fatal. 2. Acute …
Diagnosis
- If you carry the sickle cell trait, seeing a genetic counselor before trying to conceive can help you understand your risk of having a child with sickle cell anemia. A genetic counselor can also explain possible treatments, preventive measures and reproductive options.
Complications
Prevention and Treatment of SCD Complications
- HbAS
People who have sickle cell trait(SCT) inherit a hemoglobin “S” gene from one parent and a normal gene (one that codes for hemoglobin “A”) from the other parent. People with SCT usually do not have any of the signs of the disease. However, in rare cases, a person with SCT may develop he…
Cure
- SCD is a genetic condition that is present at birth. It is inherited when a child receives two genes—one from each parent—that code for abnormal hemoglobin.