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