HealthWatch: October 2007

Sickle Cell Awareness

Sickle cell anemia is a serious condition in which the body produces abnormally shaped red blood cells. The cells become shaped like a sickle, which is shaped like a “C”. They don’t actually last as long as normal, healthy, round red blood cells, which leads to anemia. The sickle cells eventually get stuck in blood vessels, which block blood flow.

“Sickle cell anemia affects millions of people worldwide. In the United States, sickle cell anemia affects about 70,000 people. It’s most common in people whose families come from Africa, South or Central America (especially Panama), Caribbean islands, Mediterranean countries (such as Turkey, Greece, and Italy), India, and Saudi Arabia.”
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Sickle Cell anemia is a genetic problem and is not contagious. People with sickle cell are born with two sickle cell genes, one from each parent. If you only have one sickle cell gene, then you have the sickle cell trait. A blood test can show if you have the trait or anemia. Most states test newborn babies as part of their newborn screening programs.

Persons who have Sickle Cell Trait should be aware of the following:

They are advised against flying in under pressurized aircraft at an altitude above 8,000 feet.
They are advised against going deep-sea diving of high mountain climbing, due to the possibility of sickling of red blood cells.
If they should see blood in his/her urine, he/she should see a doctor immediately.
Persons should let their anesthesiologist and doctors know their condition if they need to have any type of surgery.

Resource: The Sickle Cell Foundation

Sickle Cell is treated with medicines, blood transfusions, and other treatments specific to the person’s condition but most researchers say there is no cure.

State and Local Resources

Akron Children’s Hospital: Sickle Cell Program
Cleveland Clinic: Sickle Cell Anemia Information
Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association: Affiliate Locations, Programs and Support Groups
University Hospitals: Sickle Cell Anemia Center
American Sickle Cell Anemia
10300 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 229-8600

National Resources

Genetics Home Reference: How Common is Sickle Cell Decease?
Kids Health: What is Sick Cell Anemia?
Life Steps: Causes and Symptoms
Medicine Net: How is Sickle Cell Anemia Diagnosed?
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc.: What is Sickle Cell Trait?
Sickle Cell Kids: Information Just for Kids Who Have Sickle Cell
The Sickle Cell Information Center: Sickle Cell Clinics, Contacts, and Resources
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Living With Sickle Cell Anemia