SICKLE CELL ANEMIA
A Sex-Linked Trait
TESTS & TREATMENTS
SYMPTOMS
Almost all patients with sickle cell anemia have painful episodes called crises. These crises can cause pain in the bones of the back, the long bones, and the chest.
In severe cases,
- Fatigue
- Paleness
- Rapid Heart Rate
- Shortness of Breath
- Yellowing of eyes and skin
Tests:
- Bilirubin
- Blood oxygen
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Hemoglobin electrophoresis
- Serum creatinine
- Serum potassium
- Sickle cell test
Treatments:
- Blood transfusions (may also be given regularly to prevent stroke)
- Pain medicines
- Plenty of fluids
- Hydroyruea
- Antibioticcs for crisses
WHO?
WHAT?
- African Americans
- Mediterranean
- South and Central America
- Caribbean
- Middle East
Caused by an abnormal type of hemoglobin called hemoglobin S. Hemoglobin is a protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen. Hemoglobin S changes the shape of red blood cells. The red blood cells become shaped like crescents or sickles.
The fragile, sickle-shaped cells deliver less oxygen to the body's tissues.
They can also get stuck more easily in small blood vessels, as well as break into pieces that can interrupt healthy blood flow. These problems decrease the amount of oxygen flowing to body tissues even more.
By: Yulani Rodgers