Research Paper On Sickle Cell Disease

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Olivia Aumiller Mrs. Milner Child Development Pd. 5 9-28-15 A single point mutation in chromosome eleven in the human genome causes a birth defect called Sickle Cell Anemia. While this disease can greatly affect the sufferer, there are many ways to treat it and improve quality of life. 90,000 to 100,000 Americans suffer from Sickle-cell Anemia, or Sickle-cell Disease. It is an evolutionary trait developed to protect people from malaria, and people with the disease cannot contract malaria. It is more common in places like Sub-Saharan Africa, Saudi Arabia, India, South America and the Caribbean, where malaria is also common. This genetic condition is present in babies since birth, but usually begins to manifest itself in infants five months of age or older. Regularly, red blood cells are round and smooth to carry oxygen effectively. In people with SCD the red blood cells are shaped like sticks or crescent moons, and are much less effective at carrying oxygen. It is caused by a mutation in the gene that is responsible for hemoglobin, which is responsible for the shape of the red blood cells.…show more content…
Acute pain in the lower back, legs, arms, and chest are also common. This is caused by the sickle cells blocking blood flow, and preventing oxygen from reaching tissue and organs. The spleen is most affected by the disease, often becoming blocked and inflamed. Because the spleen is an integral part of the lymphatic system, people with SCD are more prone to infections. Therefore it is important that they always be up to date with all vaccinations to prevent dangerous illnesses. The odd shape of the cells can also cause

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