Sickle Cell Anaemia - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevalence | UPSC Notes

An Overview of Sickle Cell Anaemia

Sickle cell anaemia is a hereditary disorder that primarily affects the blood cells.

• This condition causes the red blood cells to become misshapen, resembling a sickle. These deformed cells have a shorter lifespan than normal cells, leading to a deficit of healthy red blood cells. This can result in obstructed blood flow and consequent pain.
• It can also induce other symptoms like infections, fatigue, and discomfort.
• Patients with sickle cell anaemia often experience painful episodes known as vaso-occlusive crises. The severity of these episodes can vary, lasting anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
• These crises can be triggered by various factors such as illness, overexertion, stress, or dehydration, particularly at high altitudes. Repeated crises can cause permanent damage to vital organs like the liver, lungs, kidneys, brain, and bones.

Image source: genome.gov

Prevalence of Sickle Cell Anaemia

• Sickle cell anaemia is found to be more common among tribal communities in India compared to non-tribal populations.
• In addition, studies have indicated that this disease is prevalent in regions where malaria is endemic. Some research from the 1940s suggests that individuals with sickle-shaped red blood cells may have a higher survival rate against malaria.
• In the Indian context, tribal populations bear the brunt of the malaria burden. India ranks second in terms of predicted births with sickle cell anaemia.

Treatment Options for Sickle Cell Anaemia

• Given that sickle cell anaemia is a genetic disorder, completely eradicating it poses a significant challenge. It requires further research and scientific advancements.
• Currently, treatment options are expensive and primarily involve stem cell transplants or gene therapy.
• Blood transfusions from healthy donors are also utilized as a treatment method.
• In some cases, stem cell transplants can be used to treat children or teenagers suffering from this condition.

Challenges in Treating Sickle Cell Anaemia

• Ensuring a safe supply of blood for transfusions.
• Risk of infection following treatment.
• Shortage of suitable donors.

World Sickle Cell Day

Every year, June 19 is recognized as ‘World Sickle Cell Day’ in accordance with a UNGA resolution passed in 2008. The first World Sickle Cell Day was observed in 2009.

For more information on World Sickle Cell Anaemia Day , follow the link.