sickle cell Flashcards
Why does sickle cell most commonly affect African-Americans?
The mutation causing sickle cell disease arose in Africa thousands of years ago to help protect against malaria, a historically major cause of death there. 1 in 12 carries a sickle cell gene.
What is Sickle Cell disease?
A genetic disorder caused by a mutation in both copies of a person’s HBB gene.
What does sickle cell do to the body?
As the sickle shaped red blood cells do not move easily, they can block blood flow. The blocked blood flow through the body can lead to serious problems, including stroke, eye problems, infections, and episodes of pain called pain crises.
How does Sickle Cell affect red blood cells?
Some red blood cells are shaped like sickles or crescent moons. These sickle cells also become rigid and sticky, which can slow or block blood flow.
What is anemia?
Sickle cells break apart easily and die. Without enough red blood cells, the body can’t get enough oxygen. This causes fatigue.
What are specific symptoms of sickle cell?
-Anemia
-Episodes of pain
-Swelling of hands and feet
-Frequent infections
-Delayed growth or puberty
-Vision problems
What causes sickle cell?
Caused by a change in the gene that tells the body to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the iron-rich compound in red blood cells that allows these cells to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. The hemoglobin associated with sickle cell anemia causes red blood cells to become rigid, sticky and misshapen.
What is hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is the iron-rich compound in red blood cells that allows these cells to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body
What happens if both parents are carriers of sickle cell?
For a child to have sickle cell anemia, both parents must carry one copy of the sickle cell gene and pass both copies to the child.
What happens if only one parent is a carrier of sickle cell?
That child will have the sickle cell trait. With one typical hemoglobin gene and one sickle cell gene, people with the sickle cell trait make both typical hemoglobin and sickle cell hemoglobin.
Their blood might contain some sickle cells, but they generally don’t have symptoms. They’re carriers of the disease. That means they can pass the gene to their children.
Who does sickle cell most commonly affect?
In the United States, sickle cell anemia most commonly affects people of African, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern descent.
