With this, we have launched a new feature titled ‘Reflections,’ which will present views of leading medical experts on specific topics of the World Health Days.
To commemorate of World Sickle Cell Day on June 19th, 2024, our editorial team solicited the views of doctors nationwide on the sickle cell disease.
Their views are presented here.
“Sickle cell disease (SCD) can be routinely diagnosed in newborns in many countries, enabling early intervention and management. However, challenges persist. Variable symptoms can make diagnosis trickier in older children and adults. Additionally, access to newborn screening programs may be limited in some areas. Finally, prenatal diagnosis requires specialized techniques like amniocentesis, which carries a small risk of miscarriage, unlike the simple blood test used for newborns.”
– Dr. Mangesh P Kamath is the Additional Director, Medical Oncology at Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bangalore.
“Sickle cell anemia is an autosomal genetic blood disorder that affects the shape of the red blood cells (RBC). This disorder turns RBCs from their normal round flexible disc shape into stiff and sticky sickled cells. Sickled RBCs slow down the blood flow and prevent oxygen delivery to the tissues. Newborns and toddlers may not show any obvious symptoms, except in severe cases where tender swelling of finger joints is seen. Anemia, fatigue, jaundice, frequent infections, swelling of hands and feet, and bone pain are some of the common symptoms to watch out for. Among adolescents, this could also cause a delay in puberty. To ascertain the disease, your health practitioner might advise you to undergo a blood test called hemoglobin electrophoresis. Sickle cell anemia has to be managed properly to prevent painful crisis episodes and organ damage. Blood transfusion, medications, and bone marrow transplantation are effective treatment modalities.”
– Dr. Anoop P is a Senior Consultant – Haematology, Paediatric Haemato-Oncology and Transplant Physician at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.