3 1 Review PBS What is sickle cell

3. 1 Review PBS

What is sickle cell disease? What is sickle cell anemia? �Sickle Cell Disease is when red blood cells turn in sickle shapes �Sickle Cell Anemia is the same thing, but we call it this because sickle cell patients often have low hemoglobin (low hematocrit) �Low hemoglobin is due to sickle cells not living as long.

Red Blood Cells �Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes) – Carry Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide around the body �White Blood Cells (Leukocytes) – Fight and kill infections �Platelets (Thrombocytes) – help the blood clot �Plasma – liquid that carries essential proteins and blood cells around the body

Why does the sickling of red blood cells cause health problems? �The sickle cells do not move smoothly through blood vessels, causing clots �They also die quicker, causing low oxygen levels due to less hemoglobin

How is anemia diagnosed? �Microscopically looking at the blood for sickle shaped blood cells �Measuring the hematocrit (% of red blood cells in blood) – low numbers means sickle cell �Blood oxygen and complete blood count (CBC) can also be done

How does sickle cell disease affect daily life?

How does sickle cell disease affect daily life? • Loss of spleen – Sickle cells can block the blood flow to spleen and cause it to necrosis (die), which leads to increase susceptibility to infections • Strokes are prevalent due to blood clots to the brain • Breathing is often difficult due to blood movement impediment through the lungs • Anemia since sickle cells die quickly • Pain, especially in the joints due to lack of blood flow

Treatments • Hydroxyurea – medicine that can reduce painful events and help with breathing • Blood transfusions – Receive blood from other individuals to reduce the amount of sickle cells • Bone marrow transplant – this can cure sickle cell if done early since blood is made from the marrow • Surgeries – spleen may need to be removed and older sickle cell patients may need joint replacements