Research Paper On Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder that cause the abnormal formation of the hemoglobin protein in red blood cells (Nih). Hemoglobin is an essential protein that resides within the red blood cells supplying oxygen to the entire body. Hemoglobin S causes a mutation in shape of hemoglobin protein causing a group of blood disorders including sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. Sickle cell anemia is a result of one abnormal hemoglobin S gene given to a child by each parent, children that inherit two abnormal hemoglobin S genes express the sickle cell anemia trait (NIH). Every cell in the body requires oxygen, those that suffer from sickle cell anemia have difficulty supplying oxygen to vital organs including the heart and lungs. The
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Statistics released by the National Institute of Health approximates that one in thirteen African American babies born in the U.S are born with the sickle cell trait (NIH). Over 200,000 individuals live with the condition in the U.S (NIH).Although, other demographics are effected by the disease including Hispanics, Asians Indians, and southern Europeans, the majority of the effected remains African Americans. Multiple states including New York, require screening for the disorder at birth in addition to a variety of genetic diseases. Genetic counseling is provided to parents with children diagnosed with the condition in order to provide instruction on the management of symptoms related to the disorder. Despite the disease being present at birth, the majority of children do not exhibit the ill effects of the condition until approximately four to six months of age (Quinn). Parents are taught to watch for warning signs that include pain and swelling to the upper and lower extremities, increased fussiness, and or acute yellowing of the skin (jaundice). Recognition of early warning signs and routine medical examinations are of the utmost importance when caring for infant with sickle cell anemia. Advancements in medicine has led to the improvement of management and survival rates for children with sickle cell anemia. With the onset of adolescence, patients with sickle cell anemia have increased ‘attacks’ of pain to the chest, abdomen, and bilateral lower extremities, increased risk of sepsis, and splenic complications. Sickle Cell Crisis is the acute onset of pain due to the decrease in oxygen delivery. Dehydration, illness, and stress contribute to the crisis making early intervention
Statistics released by the National Institute of Health approximates that one in thirteen African American babies born in the U.S are born with the sickle cell trait (NIH). Over 200,000 individuals live with the condition in the U.S (NIH).Although, other demographics are effected by the disease including Hispanics, Asians Indians, and southern Europeans, the majority of the effected remains African Americans. Multiple states including New York, require screening for the disorder at birth in addition to a variety of genetic diseases. Genetic counseling is provided to parents with children diagnosed with the condition in order to provide instruction on the management of symptoms related to the disorder. Despite the disease being present at birth, the majority of children do not exhibit the ill effects of the condition until approximately four to six months of age (Quinn). Parents are taught to watch for warning signs that include pain and swelling to the upper and lower extremities, increased fussiness, and or acute yellowing of the skin (jaundice). Recognition of early warning signs and routine medical examinations are of the utmost importance when caring for infant with sickle cell anemia. Advancements in medicine has led to the improvement of management and survival rates for children with sickle cell anemia. With the onset of adolescence, patients with sickle cell anemia have increased ‘attacks’ of pain to the chest, abdomen, and bilateral lower extremities, increased risk of sepsis, and splenic complications. Sickle Cell Crisis is the acute onset of pain due to the decrease in oxygen delivery. Dehydration, illness, and stress contribute to the crisis making early intervention