Sickle Cell Anemia: Defining Complex World of Pain in a Single Gene Difference

Now that we have retreated to another lockdown, with daily news confronting us with unforeseen tragedies and common people taking on many acts of bravery, we stay in hope and back to helplessness all over again. The second wave is so much harder, darker, and even tougher. We are not here to talk about COVID because we all are already aware of it. This story will serve the purpose of treatment for sickle cell anemia, a gentle escape from COVID for the ones suffering from sickle cell disease. 

For India, it may be the darkest time, but it is also seen as the biggest tragedy. Also, talking about vaccination, the ongoing drive, is likely to bring some solace. We hope that you remain safe and healthy. Moving on, let’s talk about sickle cell disease and how a single-gene difference can bring a whole lot of pain for 20 million individuals, especially Africans. 

Overview of Sickle Cell Anemia:

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited red blood cell condition in which the body’s supply of healthy RBC’s is insufficient to transport oxygen throughout the body. The red blood cells in sickle cell anemia are shaped like sickles or crescent moons. usually, These hard, sticky cells can become caught in small blood veins, causing blood flow and oxygen to regions of the body to halt or stop. Therefore, there is no cure for this disease but the right treatment can help relieve the pain and prevent complications associated with the disease. 

It is just like blood cancer where you need a blood transfusion to relieve the symptoms. The same is the case in sickle cell, you need a blood transfusion to relieve the symptoms. The blood cancer treatment in India is considered to be the best with the availability of the best oncologists, hospitals, and staff members. 

Symptoms:

The following are some symptoms and signs of sickle cell disease:

• Anemia
• Pain
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Frequent infection
• Delayed growth or puberty
• Vision problems 

Cause of sickle cell disease:

A mutation in the gene that signals your body to generate the iron-rich compound that makes blood red and allows red blood cells to transmit oxygen from your lungs throughout your body causes sickle cell disease (SCD) (hemoglobin). so, The defective hemoglobin in sickle cell anemia causes red blood cells to become hard, sticky, and malformed. 

The sickle cell trait must be passed down from both parents for the child to be impacted. If one parent carries the gene to their child, the youngster will be born with sickle cell trait. Sickle cell is a racially biased disease. Therefore, It is more likely in black African people compared to other people. 

A single difference in the gene may cause several years of pain and anemia disease. It basically cuts off the oxygen supply to the lungs, bones, brains, and other body organs. As its a jam or a block in capillaries. 

Despite the fact that SCD has a single genetic cause, each person’s disease experience and even life expectancy are influenced by where they live as well as the social, physical, and environmental conditions they face.

The only treatment for sickle cell anemia right now is a blood or bone marrow transplant. Along with certain drugs and blood transfusion. Sickle cell anemia treatment in India is provided by the Gleneagles Global hospital at an affordable price compared to other nations globally. 

Treatment for sickle cell anemia:

In the newly published journal named Advanced Genetics, it is proposed that it is not just vital to analyze the influence and the disparities of sickle cell disease but also the treatment of the disease is vital. Therefore, the research is carried out with preliminary data collected by international communities studying the relationship of genetic, clinical, environmental, and socio-demographic factors. It is conducted to analyze the influence of the disease and its best possible treatment. As, the data is collected from the two countries in South Africa (Jamaica, Cameroon) and the United States. 

SCD is said to be the first molecular disease and may also become the first to have an approved molecular gene cure. Meanwhile, the studies also focus on reducing and preventing complications in millions of people with SCD by developing new technologies. And help those who are unlikely to get access to new technological cures when they become available. Even in countries such as Europe and North America, people find it difficult to get access to new cures. 

Pain Management for the Sickle Cell Patient:

Sickle cell disease is a common gene disorder globally. The pain in sickle cell disease is agonizing and a major health issue. 

Types of pain in sickle cell disease:

The pain can be categorized as:

• Acute Pain: 

Tissue infarction in skeletal or soft tissue can be sudden, unpredictable, and intense. Therefore, it normally stops after the sickle-cell crisis has passed.

• Chronic Pain:

It is not an ongoing pain, Avascular necrosis of bone in several joints. The hips, shoulders, and ankles, in decreasing order of frequency—are frequently the cause. This develops in the spine causing severe back pain. 

•  A mixture of Acute and Chronic:

Mixture of acute and chronic pain that may develop in any part of the body at any time. 

Managing the pain:

The treatment to manage the pain in sickle cell disease will depend if the pain is acute or chronic or a mixture of the two. Regular analgesia is for the patient for acute pain. The normal dosing interval for morphine injections and rapid release formulations is 4-6 hours. Some people require opioids doses in every 2 hours. Paracetamol helps reducing doses of opioids.

Bone pain will be removed through Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the chronic pain in SCD patients,

Conclusion:

Hence, it is concluded that a large number of national and international integrative studies are required for a better understanding of sickle cell disorder globally and to accelerate the creation, adaptation, and implementation of locally relevant initiatives and policies.

Taking into account, COVID-19 and sickle cell anemia disease sufferers, therefore we urge you to find ways to push, fight and not give up. And remember, we are in this together. 

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