Sickle Cell Anemia *Quick Explainer Video* 🩸

What is sickle cell anemia? This video covers the medical definition and provides a brief overview of this topic.
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➡️ Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by the production of an abnormal form of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. This condition is primarily associated with individuals of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian descent, but it can occur in any ethnic group.

➡️ Signs
The hallmark of sickle cell anemia is the distortion of red blood cells into a sickle or crescent shape, a result of the abnormal hemoglobin (Hemoglobin S) that these cells contain. Normal red blood cells are flexible and round, allowing them to move easily through blood vessels. However, sickle-shaped cells are rigid and sticky, causing them to clump together and get stuck in small blood vessels. This leads to a myriad of complications, as it impedes the flow of blood and, therefore, the supply of oxygen to different parts of the body.

➡️ Complications
One of the most common and painful complications is a sickle cell crisis, which occurs when the flow of blood is obstructed. This can cause severe pain and damage to organs, bones, and muscles. These episodes can be unpredictable and vary in frequency and intensity among individuals. Apart from pain crises, individuals with sickle cell anemia are at increased risk for infections, delayed growth, vision problems, and strokes.

The spleen, which helps filter infections from the blood, often becomes damaged due to the constant filtering of abnormal cells, making patients more susceptible to infections. The disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning a child must inherit two sickle cell genes, one from each parent, to develop the condition. Those with only one sickle cell gene are carriers (sickle cell trait) and usually do not show symptoms of the disease, but they can pass the gene to their children.

➡️ Diagnosis
Diagnosis of sickle cell anemia typically occurs in infancy or early childhood, often through routine newborn screening tests. Additional tests, like hemoglobin electrophoresis, can confirm the diagnosis. There is no universal cure for the disease, but treatments are available to alleviate symptoms, reduce complications, and improve quality of life. These include pain management strategies, blood transfusions, and hydroxyurea, a medication that can reduce the frequency of pain crises. In some cases, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant may offer a potential cure, but these procedures carry significant risks and are not suitable for all patients.

Recent advances in gene therapy are showing promise as a potential treatment for sickle cell anemia. These experimental treatments involve manipulating the patient's genes to produce normal hemoglobin or to reactivate the production of fetal hemoglobin, which is naturally present in newborns and is effective in preventing sickling of the cells.

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🚑MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a physician with any questions that you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you watch in this video. We strive for 100% accuracy, but errors may occur, and medications, protocols, and treatment methods may change over time.

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⏰TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:26 - Hallmark
0:40 - Sickle-Shaped Cells
0:54 - Common Complication
1:19 - Spleen
1:44 - Diagnosis
2:21 - Therapy Advances
2:40 - Living with Sickle
2:52 - Comprehensive Care

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