People with sickle cell anaemia inherit the disease, which means that the disease is passed on to them by their parents as part of their genetic makeup. Parents cannot give sickle cell anaemia to their children unless they both have the faulty gene mutation in their red blood cells.
Allogeneic blood and marrow transplantation (BMT) can cure SCD. Donors can be fully matched siblings or parents or matched unrelated donors. Half-matched BMT from parents is also an option.
Avoid extremes of temperature and dehydration.Instead, Drink plenty of fluids and take regular hydroxyurea.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder usually diagnosed at birth. Most people with the disease begin to show symptoms such as:
- A yellowish colour of the skin or whites of the eye can indicate sickle cell anaemia.
- Fatigue or fussiness from anaemia.
- Painful swelling of the hands and feet, known as dactylitis.
Both partners should consult with a haematologist before planning pregnancy. In addition, both partners should be screened for carrier status. If both are carriers, the doctors can check the foetus before 20 weeks of gestation for presence of both mutations of sickle cell disease. Please speak to the haematologist and obstetrician regarding the above.
