World Sickle Cell Day, created by a UN resolution, is recognized worldwide as a day to know Sickle Sickle (SCD). SCD is the most known genetic disease in the world today. Although most commonly seen in people from Africa, the Mediterranean and parts of India, it affects many other races and ethnicities.
SCD is a group of red cell disorders where abnormal form of hemoglobin is made by red blood cells. The abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells become rigid and clog blood vessels in the body, causing pain and damage. Red blood cells are also destroyed rapidly leads to anemia.
The symptoms of SCD are not always consistent, and can appear differently in each patient living with the disease. However, experts estimate that up to 25 percent of patients with SCD experience the most severe form of the disease, which can cause episodes of severe pain, acute chest syndrome, and even the possibility of a stroke brain during childhood.
About 90 percent of children with SCD in the United States will survive to adulthood. However, the extended organ failure can significantly shorten the life of an American patient to end in the 40s SCD specialists say that the adult survival rate is even less for children in developing countries .
Currently, the only cure for SCD is a bone marrow transplant. Preferably the donor for the transplant is a brother and matched bone bone, mobilization of peripheral blood or cord blood can be used for transplantation.
bone marrow transplants currently are not routinely performed due to SCD patients risks associated with the transplant procedure and many do not have a suitable donor. However, researchers continue to explore new methods to improve bone marrow transplants to increase the donor pool and improve outcomes.
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