Treatment for sickle cell anemia consists of different types of medications, such as L-glutamine and hydroxyurea, to reduce the symptoms. The other ways include pain management for crises and blood transfusion in case of complicated situations. However, bone marrow transplant works better in a few patients for a cure, and gene therapies are also another option of treatment. Furthermore, sickle cell anemia treatment consists of managing the symptoms, preventing complications, and curing the disease.
Diagnosis of Sickle Cell Anemia
To detect sickle cell anemia, visit a doctor and undergo a blood test to identify the form of hemoglobin. If the red blood cell appears like a crescent moon, then you are diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. In the U.S., every newborn is screened through a blood test regularly. However, adults and older children can also get this test if they want to learn about sickle cell anemia. The blood sample is collected from the vein in the arm. On the contrary, the blood sample is collected from the heel or finger in the case of babies and young children.
The blood helps to find abnormal hemoglobin (HbS). According to PLOS, around 400,000 babies are infected with sickle cell anemia globally, with 75% births happening in sub-Saharan Africa. Next, the CDC states that in the U.S., around 100,000 people are affected by SCD, among them, the majority are African American or non-Hispanic Black.
- Assess Stroke Risk: Stroke risk in children can be assessed with the help of a special ultrasound machine. Sound waves are used in the test to measure the brain’s blood flow. Such a painless test is commonly used for children under 2 years age. Furthermore, conducting regular blood transfusions can also reduce the risk of stroke.
- Finding the Sickle Cell Gene Before Birth: The Sickle cell gene in unborn children can be diagnosed by collecting a sample of amniotic fluid surrounding in the womb. Furthermore, consult a healthcare expert for proper screening if you or your partner has sickle cell trait or sickle cell anemia.
Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment
Managing sickle cell anemia aims to reduce symptoms, prevent pain, and other complications. So, the sickle cell anemia treatment mostly includes blood transfusions and medications. A stem cell transplant can cure this disease in teenagers and children. Furthermore, experts have also developed gene therapies to cure people suffering from SCA.
1. Treatments
The treatment includes different kinds of medicines.
- Hydroxyurea is needed to decrease pain crises and may decrease the need for hospital admission and blood transfusion. However, this might increase the chances of infection, and it must be avoided in case of pregnant women.
- L-glutamine oral powder to reduce pain. Third, Crizanlizumab is provided in the form of an injection to reduce pain in both children above 16 years and adults. After taking this injection, there might be a few side effects such as back pain, nausea, and fever.
- Pain-relieving medications are prescribed by healthcare experts. They are prescribed to reduce pain during the sickle cell crisis.
2. Preventive Injections
Children from the age of 3 months to 5 years old suffering from sickle cell anemia receive penicillin. Such medicines help prevent infections like pneumonia, which can be a life-threatening disease for children suffering from SCA. Furthermore, the adults who have SCA might need to take penicillin for their entire lives if they have any surgery to remove the spleen or have pneumonia.
Childhood vaccinations act as a preventive measure for every child. Vaccinations are essential for children because they help prevent severe symptoms. The healthcare team for your children needs to ensure that they receive the right vaccines. This includes essential vaccines such as meningitis, pneumonia, hepatitis B, and a yearly flu shot. Furthermore, vaccines are also essential for adults with sickle cell anemia.
3. Surgical & Other Procedures
The surgical and other procedures for sickle cell anemia include:
- Blood Transfusions: Red blood cell transfusions are needed to get rid of complications like stroke in people suffering from sickle cell anemia. This process happens by separating the red blood cell from the donated blood, and then it is given to the person with SCA. After this, the number of red blood cells increases that are not infected with sickle cell anemia. Thus, decreasing complications and symptoms.
- Stem Cell Transplant: Stem cell transplant is also called bone marrow transplant. This process includes replacing the affected bone marrow with healthy bone marrow from a donor. The procedure only happens using a matched donor, like a sibling, who is not affected with sickle cell anemia.
- Gene-Editing Therapy: This is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment. This treatment works by changing the DNA in the stem cells of a person affected with sickle cell anemia. Furthermore, after the removal of the stem cell from the body, the sickle gene changes. Such a process is called editing to restore a person’s ability to produce healthy red blood cells. The cured stem cell is returned to the body with the help of blood, and this is called infusion.
Self-Care Ways
The steps to stay healthy and free of complications of sickle cell anemia include:
- Selecting a Healthy Diet & Folic Acid Supplements: The bone marrow of people suffering from sickle cell anemia needs folic acid and other essential vitamins to produce new red blood cells. So, you can ask a healthcare expert about vitamin and folic acid supplements. Furthermore, along with the supplements, you can take vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Dehydration increases the chance of sickle cell anemia pain. So, you need to drink a lot of water in a day, around 8 glasses of water, to get rid of pain. Furthermore, you can drink more water if you exercise daily or spend too much time in a dry climate.
Conclusion
To cure sickle cell anemia, get early diagnosis, preventive care, and proper medications. With the right treatment plans, medical support, and a healthy diet, patients can manage the symptoms and live a healthy life. Furthermore, advanced therapies and continuous research can cure this disease in the future.
