National Conclave on Sickle Cell Disease Awareness

Tags: National News

National Conclave on Sickle Cell Disease Awareness about Sickle Cell Disease was held at AIIMS, New Delhi.

An Overview of the News

• Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram emphasized that sickle cell disease (SCD) is not limited to tribal communities and can affect anyone.

• Oram stressed the importance of widespread awareness and the need to approach treatment from a human development perspective.

• Grassroots Efforts: Called for initiatives at Gram Panchayats and Anganwadis.

• Inter-Disciplinary Cooperation: Stressed the importance of cooperation among ministries and departments.

• Patient Interaction: Oram interacted with SCD patients.

• Conclave Details: One-day event at AIIMS with top hematology experts discussing SCD treatment and research.

Overview of Sickle Cell Anemia

• Sickle cell anemia is a type of inherited disorder under the umbrella of sickle cell disease.

• It affects the shape of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

• Some red blood cells become sickle-shaped (like crescent moons) and are rigid and sticky.

• These malformed cells can slow down or block blood flow.

Normal Red Blood Cells:

• Typically round and flexible, allowing easy movement through blood vessels.

Symptoms and Signs

• Anemia:

  • Sickle cells break apart easily, typically dying in 10 to 20 days, compared to the usual 120 days for normal red blood cells.

  • This leads to a shortage of red blood cells, known as anemia, resulting in fatigue due to insufficient oxygen.

• Pain:

  • Known as pain crises, these episodes occur when sickle-shaped cells block blood flow to the chest, abdomen, and joints.

  • Chronic pain can occur due to bone and joint damage, ulcers, and other factors.

• Swelling of Hands and Feet:

  • Blocked blood circulation by sickle cells causes swelling in these areas.

• Frequent Infections:

  • Damage to the spleen by sickle cells increases infection risk.

  • Babies and children with sickle cell anemia often receive vaccinations and antibiotics to prevent serious infections, such as pneumonia.

• Delayed Growth or Puberty:

  • The shortage of healthy red blood cells affects oxygen and nutrient supply, slowing growth in babies and children and delaying puberty in teenagers.

• Vision Problems:

  • Blockage of tiny blood vessels supplying the eyes can damage the retina, leading to vision issues.