GROUP # 2

SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

SICKLE CELL ANEMIA:

 Sickle cell anemia, or sickle cell disease (SCD), is a genetic

disease of the red blood cells (RBCs). Normally, RBCs are shaped
like discs, which gives them the flexibility to travel through even
the smallest blood vessels. However, with this disease, the RBCs
have an abnormal crescent shape resembling a sickle. This makes
them sticky and rigid and prone to getting trapped in small
vessels, which blocks blood from reaching different parts of the
body. This can cause pain and tissue damage.
 SICKLE CELL ANEMIA: DESCRIPTION

Sickle cell anemia is one of a group of inherited disorders known as

sickle cell disease. It affects the shape of red blood cells, which carry
oxygen to all parts of the body.
 Red blood cells are usually round and flexible, so they move easily
through blood vessels. In sickle cell anemia, some red blood cells are
shaped like sickles or crescent moons. These sickle cells also become
rigid and sticky, which can slow or block blood flow.
SICKLE CELL ANEMIA: CAUSES

 People with sickle cell anemia inherit the disease

from their biological parents. In sickle cell anemia,
the gene that helps make normal red blood cells
mutates, or changes. People who inherit the mutated
hemoglobin protein gene from both biological
parents have sickle cell anemia. People who inherit
the mutated gene from one biological parent have
the sickle cell trait.
 SICKLE CELL ANEMIA: SYMPTOMS

 Anemia. Sickle cells break apart easily and die. Red blood cells usually live
for about 120 days before they need to be replaced. But sickle cells typically
die in 10 to 20 days, leaving a shortage of red blood cells (anemia). Without
enough red blood cells, the body can’t get enough oxygen and this causes
fatigue
 Delayed growth or puberty. Red blood cells provide the body with the oxygen
and nutrients needed for growth. A shortage of healthy red blood cells can
slow growth in infants and children and delay puberty in teenagers.
 SICKLE CELL ANEMIA: SYMPTOMS

 Episodes of pain. Periodic episodes of extreme pain, called pain

crises, are a major symptom of sickle cell anemia. Pain develops
when sickle-shaped red blood cells block blood flow through tiny
blood vessels to your chest, abdomen and joints.
 Vision problems. Tiny blood vessels that supply the eyes can
become plugged with sickle cells. This can damage the retina —
the portion of the eye that processes visual images — and lead to
vision problems.
SICKLE CELL ANEMIA: SYMPTOMS

 Swelling of hands and feet. The swelling is caused by sickle-

shaped red blood cells blocking blood circulation in the hands
and feet.
 Frequent infections. Sickle cells can damage the spleen,
increasing vulnerability to infections. Infants and children with
sickle cell anemia commonly receive vaccinations and
antibiotics to prevent potentially life-threatening infections,
such as pneumonia
SICKLE CELL ANEMIA: TREATMENT

 Stem cell or bone marrow transplants are the only cure for sickle cell
disease, but they’re not done very often because of the significant risks
involved. Stem cells are special cells produced by bone marrow, a spongy
tissue found in the centre of some bones.
 Stem cells are special cells produced by bone marrow, a spongy tissue found
in the centre of some bones. They can turn into different types of blood cells
 Stem cell transplants are generally only considered in children with sickle
cell disease who have severe symptoms that have not responded to other
treatments, when the long-term benefits of a transplant are thought to
outweigh the possible risks.
 SICKLE CELL ANEMIA: TREATMENT

 Management of sickle cell anemia is usually aimed at avoiding pain episodes, relieving
symptoms and preventing complications. Treatments might include medications and blood
transfusions. For some children and teenagers, a stem cell transplant might cure the disease.
 MEDICATIONS:
 Voxelotor (Oxbryta). This drug is used to treat sickle cell disease in adults and children older
than 12.
 L-glutamine oral powder (Endari). The FDA recently approved this drug for treatment of
sickle cell anemia. It helps in reducing the frequency of pain crises
 Hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea, Siklos). Daily hydroxyurea reduces the frequency of painful
crises and might reduce the need for blood transfusions and hospitalizations
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING

GROUP #2: SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

MEMBERS:
MARIAH SOPHIA ARMERO
CHRISTIAN L. LUMANTA
MARK JAY BERNAL
LANCE ZYRILLE GOMEZ
LANCE GUIMERA