Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)
All Glory to God!
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited disease of the hemoglobin that causes chronic illnesses affecting 70,000 to 100,000 people in the United States alone. It is the most common genetic disorder identified in African Americans and according to the National Heart Blood and Lung Institute, it is the most common blood disorder among African Americans, people from South and Central America, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.
The hemoglobin is a molecule that carries oxygen within the red blood cells. With Sickle Cell Disease, defective hemoglobin causes the red blood cells to change from the usual soft, round shape to a hard stiff twisted sickle-like crescent shape. As a result of this, the sickled red blood cells begin to stick together and block the flow of blood and oxygen thereby causing severe pain and other serious complications (i.e. organ damage)
(Source: BeTheMatch, 2014)
The hemoglobin is a molecule that carries oxygen within the red blood cells. With Sickle Cell Disease, defective hemoglobin causes the red blood cells to change from the usual soft, round shape to a hard stiff twisted sickle-like crescent shape. As a result of this, the sickled red blood cells begin to stick together and block the flow of blood and oxygen thereby causing severe pain and other serious complications (i.e. organ damage)
(Source: BeTheMatch, 2014)
September is Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month!
Types of SCD |
The three most common forms of SCD are: hemoglobin SS (also referred to as Sickle Cell Anemia), hemoglobin Sickle-C disease, and Sickle Beta-Thalassemia. Complications from SCD range from mild tiredness or fatigue, to severe symptoms such as strokes, heart attacks, infections, and pain crises (Source: Virginia Sickle Cell Awareness Program).
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Treatment of SCD |
Currently, no universal cure exits for SCD; however with proper advocacy, awareness, and advances in SCD research, treatment, and cures, individuals affected can live healthier longer lives.
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