Sickle Cell Anemia PowerPoint Free Infographics

Sickle Cell Anemia: Key Insights

1. What Is Sickle Cell Anemia?
   Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary blood disorder where red blood cells become sickle-shaped due to abnormal hemoglobin. These cells block blood flow, leading to pain and organ damage.
2. Emergency Signs to Watch For
   Seek immediate care for symptoms like vaso-occlusive crisis (severe pain), chest pain, fever, or priapism. These signs may signal life-threatening complications.
3. How It’s Diagnosed
   Diagnostic tools include newborn screening (HPLC), prenatal genetic testing, complete blood counts, and hemoglobin electrophoresis to confirm sickle cell traits or disease.
4. Common Symptoms of Sickle Cell Anemia
   Frequent pain episodes, jaundice, fatigue, swollen hands and feet, and pale skin are among the early symptoms. Infections, leg ulcers, and vision problems may develop over time.
5. Complications of the Disease
   Sickle cell anemia can lead to acute chest syndrome, stroke, pulmonary hypertension, bone and eye damage, kidney disease, and splenic dysfunction.
6. Treatment and Medication Options
   Treatments include blood transfusions, hydroxyurea, L-glutamine, and bone marrow transplants. Hydroxyurea reduces hospitalizations, pain crises, and chest syndrome risk.
7. Pregnancy and Sickle Cell Risk Management
   Pregnant women with sickle cell disease need enhanced care: iron and folic acid supplements, regular ultrasounds, and careful blood pressure monitoring are crucial.
8. Screening and Prevention in Children
   Early screening and preventive measures such as penicillin from 2 months to 5 years can help avoid life-threatening infections in children with sickle cell anemia.
9. Prevalence and Demographics
   Sickle cell disease affects ~100,000 Americans, mainly African Americans (1 in 365 births). Globally, over 20 million people carry the sickle cell trait.
10. Understanding Red Blood Cell Changes
    Healthy RBCs are round and flexible. In sickle cell anemia, they become rigid and crescent-shaped, blocking small vessels and causing tissue and organ damage.

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