Reliable Ways Of Preventing Sickle Cell Anemia

By Sally Delacruz


Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder affecting the hemoglobin part of the red blood cells. It causes a lot of pain that recurs and is accompanied by painful complications. This condition affects the psychosocial, education and general life of a victim who survives into adulthood.

The most effective way to avoid an infected child is to attend preconception counseling and screening. The effectiveness of this approach in preventing sickle cell anemia has been proven. The couple is screened alongside an evaluation of the history of family sicknesses. Reproductive, preventive and treatment options are also discussed during this forum.

The level of severity determines how long a patient lives. Children with the most severe form rarely get to celebrate their fifth birthday. They succumb to severe cases of anemia or complications that arise from this condition. This can be prevented through early detection and preconception awareness. Those who survive beyond five years are also vulnerable to complications arising from the condition.

The social economic implications of sickle cell disease on the patient and family are huge. The crisis recurs over time and affects their lives and family to a great extent. It takes over resources and time especially where the support of health institutions and care givers is not reliable. The absence of medical support makes management difficult for such a family.

Management becomes crucial for patients since there is no known cure. Patients are under a lot of pain and require personalized attention to handle it. Some of the intervention measures available include rest, good nutrition, antibiotics and analgesics. Such a patient should be under folic acid supplement and take a lot of fluids.

Research is in progress to mainstream therapeutic agents used in some regions. These agents prevent and reduce the severity of attacks. Infant mortality and morbidity is reduced by neonatal screening. This needs to be combined with timely testing, parental education and comprehensive management.

Penicillin has been used to counter infections arising from this condition. This is not an option that can be used by all families considering cost and availability. The approach that should be taken by governments and advocacy groups involves counseling for the purpose of prevention. Early detection is beneficial since patients can enjoy skilled attention in managing complications arising from the condition.

The involvement of parents, care givers and teachers is crucial in achieving a multi disciplinary approach. Data collection aids in developing intervention measures since trends can be noted and necessary attention given to the process. Counseling before conception and screening for the couples is also crucial. It ensures that children are not born with sickle cell anemia.

Localized solutions in managing the conditions are considered cost effective and reliable. Advocacy and outreach by social and health workers is crucial in reducing incidences of infected births. Some intervention measures used in other areas are expensive and thus unsustainable. Social advocacy, counseling and early detection makes management easier.

Couples intending to get married and bear children should consider family histories for traces of the disease. This can be ascertained during preconception counseling and screening. Detecting the condition early makes it easier to manage.




About the Author: