Genetic Science: Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia is among the highly prevalent diseases in the contemporary society. Sickle cell anemia is a disorder of the blood that is caused by the inheritance of the gene that alters the shape of the sickle cell. Therefore, the gene interferes with the working of hemoglobin in the movement of oxygen. The prevalence of the sickle cell anemia varies regarding the geographical position and the ethnic identity. In the United States, the sickle cell anemia is most prevalent among African Americans. The disease also shows a relatively higher prevalence of the disease in the Hispanics followed by the Whites. However, the prevalence also varies from one place to another in the United States (Lervolino et al. 2011).
Sickle cell anemia is a cancerous disease making it difficult to treat. However, various trends are involved in the diagnosis of the disease. The diagnosis of the disease involves a blood test for either a child or an adult. The blood test is used to determine whether an individual’s blood contains the hemoglobin S, which is defective. The test results are positive if the individual emerges to have the hemoglobin S. The doctor, therefore, carries out more tests such as the determination of the blood count of the patient (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2017). The diagnosis of the disease is consistent for patients of different ages. Undergoing diagnosis at earlier stages of the disease is an effective preventive. This can enhance the success of the bone marrow transplant. It also enables the patient to resort to alternative medical treatments, which prevents further infections in the body. An individual can seek a diagnosis for the disease following common signs and symptoms.
Unfortunately, there are limited treatment options for the sickle cell anemia. The stem cell transplant is the only known treatment for the dangerous disease. However, the stem cell transplant only works for patients who are at a specific level of the disease’s life cycle. Therefore, it is highly recommended for patients younger than sixteen years. However, there are numerous effects associated with this treatment option (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2017). However, the success of the treatment is not guaranteed by the age limit. There are other factors such as the bone marrow compatibility, which determine whether the patient can undergo a successful transplant. Treatment of sickle cell anemia also follows the strict recommendation of a qualified physician. In case the body of the patient is not compatible, the bone marrow transplant could have drastic side effects and even lead to the death of the patient.
The Food and Drugs Administration of the United States plays a significant role in the treatment of sickle cell anemia. The agency has authorized several types of medication that are crucial during the treatment of the disease. It has authorized the use of specific antibiotics by younger patients to prevent the contraction of other health conditions. Some of the drugs help relieve pain during the battle with the disease (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2017). It is essential to evaluate the medication administered for the control of the effects of sickle cell anemia. Patients must ensure that they use the approved medication, which would not cause more side effects. FDA must also offer clear guidelines that can help patients to identify the relevant medication. Patients should also maintain consistency regarding the use of appropriate drugs. This can alleviate extreme pain and other effects of the disease on the body.
Money and grants are also significant in the research and other advancements about the disease. The money is used to purchase the expensive equipment required for the treatment of the disease. Bone marrow transplant I a sophisticated process, which requires the use of high technology equipment. The equipment is expensive hence owned by few medical centers. Money is also effective in hiring highly qualified personnel. The rare nature of the sickle cell anemia is also relative to the availability of specialists who have experience with the disease. It is, therefore, expensive to hire these specialists to carry out the transplants. The grants are also used to finance research about the disease. With the limited treatment options, efforts are being made to advance more reliable treatment methods of the disease. Eventually, the money is also used to pay for care services to the patients who need adequate care (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2017).
The seriousness of the disease causes a considerable shock to the patient when they find out about the condition. It is essential to ensure that the patients accept the conditions and have the courage to advance to the next steps of treatment. Family helps to provide moral support to the patients. This helps them to stay strong and confident throughout the treatment process. In most cases, the family carters for all the expenses involving the diagnosis, treatment, and care for the patients. Since the disease is contracted since birth, the patients hardly get the chance to work hence depending on family (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2017). It is clear that the disease is inheritable. Therefore, most of the patients are not responsible for the health condition, although there is little they can do to remedy. The support of the family helps to prevent issues such as depression, which is a serious risk for the patients suffering from sickle cell anemia.
References
Lervolino, L. G., Baldin, P. E. A., Picado, S. M., Calil, K. B., Viel, A. A., & Campos, L. A. F. (2011). Prevalence of sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait in national neonatal screening studies. Revista Brasileira de Hematologia E Hemoterapia, 33(1), 49–54. http://doi.org/10.5581/1516-8484.20110015
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Sickle cell anemia: diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (2017). Sickle cell disease research & care. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/spotlight/fact-sheet/sickle-cell-disease-research-care