నైరూప్య

The high incidence of sickle cell syndrome and its associated issues in children

Glory Bondula

Sickle Cell Anaemia or Sickle Cell Disease as it is also known is a fairly common haematological disease which can be passed on from generation to generation. Up until the early half of the 20th century, the disease was somewhat obscure in the sense that while it was affecting individuals in substantial numbers, a clear diagnosis couldn’t be made. Dr. Herrick’s interaction with a patient of sickle cell anaemia and the subsequent case findings related to the same, introduced the world to the existence of a new disease, one which was prevalent in far off lands of Africa and Asia. The characteristic sickle like shape of the cells is seen as a response to physiological stress and is contributory to the onset of anaemia and hypoxia. There are various signs and symptoms of Sickle Cell Anaemia and these can aggravate and precipitate numerous sequlae. Upon observing the prevalence of the disease, we can observe a scattered distribution with African countries, India, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries showing greater number of cases. The first case of Sickle Cell Anaemia in India was reported in 1952. A large numbers of cases are seen in the central and coastal states of India and less than 5 age groups is most commonly affected with the disease. Onset of complications may be acute or chronic and are an indication of worsening of the condition. This review article aims to encapsulate and provide a brief overview of sickle cell anaemia with greater emphasis on the complications in children