Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease that affects the blood cells. Normal red blood cells are round and move easily through cells. People with sickle cell anemia produce hemoglobin differently, resulting in cells that take a different "sickle" shape. These oddly shaped cells do not move easily through the blood vessels and in some cases can become stuck in small blood vessels and clog the vessel. Then, tissue may start to die in the parts of the body fed by these small blood vessels.
Medications
Early diagnosis is very important for the successful treatment of sickle cell anemia. Some children are diagnosed and treated in infancy. While there are medications available to treat adults, the disease can cause more complications and become more difficult to treat if treatment is delayed.
Penicillin is usually used to treat children with sickle cell anemia. It may be administered on a regular basis form birth through age 5 in order to prevent pneumonia or other complications that tend to arise form sickle cell anemia as a result of the abnormalities in the blood. Children may also be given folic acid supplements.
Hydroxyurea is a form of medication primarily used to treat adults with severe sickle cell anemia. The drug helps the body to produce more fetal hemoglobin, which is a natural substance produced in infants that helps to fight sickle cell anemia.
Blood Transfusions
Blood transfusions help to minimize the anemia associated with sickle cell anemia. Blood transfusions relieve or minimize the risk of anemia by raising the count of normal red blood cells. Because red blood cells make iron, having frequent blood transfusions can lead to a buildup of excess iron. As a result, drugs, such as Deferasirox, are given to help reduce iron levels in the blood.
Other Treatments
Certain other treatments are available to treat severe sickle cell anemia, or the symptoms of sickle cell anemia. Oxygen may be administered to make breathing easier if the sickle cell anemia is causing chest problems. Bone marrow transplants can cure sickle cell anemia by replacing the bone marrow that produces the abnormal sickle cells with bone marrow from a healthy donor. Marrow transplants are only recommended for certain patients with severe sickle cell anemia because of the risks associated with the transplant. Finally, pain relievers can be administered to treat painful complications of sickle cell anemia that arise form tissue damage caused by lack of blood flow.
Tags: cell anemia, cell anemia, sickle cell, sickle cell, sickle cell anemia, blood cells