Fans react as BBnaija lockdown season 5 housemate finalist Laycon reveal his genotype to be Sc.
BBNaija Laycon: What you need to know about Hemoglobin SC Genotype disease.
What is Sickle cell anemia
Sickle cell anemia or sickle disease (SCD), is a disease of the red blood cells (RBCs).
RBCs is round in shapes, that enable its flexibility to travel through the smallest blood vessels. however, RBCs disease has an abnormal crescent shape like sickle.
Difference between Sickle Cell SS and SC
Hemoglobin SC is one of the most common types of sickle cell disease. It is an inherited Hb C from one the parent and the Hb S gene from the other parent.
Those with Hb SC got similar symptoms to those with Hb SS.
However the sickle cell anemia is lee serious. There is no suggested life span of those with SC according to research, but they they longer life span provided they maintain good care of their health.
Partners with SC and SS or AS is highly not recommended.
What are the Symptoms of Sickle cell anemia:
Symptoms of sickle cell anemia usually shows up at the early age. sometimes its may begin as early as four months old, but generally from the range of 6-month interval.
Although different types of SCD got different way of showing symptoms compare to others, sometimes its got very serious and may required immediate medical attention.
Some of the symptoms include the following:
- Swellings and pains in the hands and feet.
- Serious tiredness, irritation from anemia.
- Jaundice, which course yellow eyes and skin.
- And some common infections like chest pains, back, arms and legs pains.
Approved Treatments Measures
Currently, the only treatment of sickle cell that can offer a potential cure for sickle cell disease is stem cell transplantation. The procedure aims to replace the stem cells in the bone marrow — the source of new red blood cells — with healthy stem cells from a matching donor. This treatment is not available to all patients because it can be difficult to find a suitable donor.
Children as young as two months may be prescribed daily penicillin to prevent infections. This is called penicillin prophylaxis and should be complemented by vaccinations and antibiotics in cases of infection.
Patients may also benefit from a transfusion of healthy red blood cells, especially if they are at high risk for complications such as stroke.
