Sickle
cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in African-Americans.
It affects one in about five hundred African-Americans babies.
The disease has its name from the peculiar, sickle-shaped red
blood cells that form when they release oxygen. This Mini-Med
interactive lecture will explain why red cells sickle and how
sickling leads to anemia and to severe pain episodes in affected
persons. Newborn screening and penicillin prophylaxis have lowered
the mortality of affected infants.
Topics such as genetics of the disease, pain control, and treatment
with transfusions, hydroxyurea, and bone marrow transplantation
will be discussed. The last part of the session will focus on
clinical research. Ms. Sabrina Martyr is one of our collaborators
at the National Institutes of Health. She will review on-going
treatment studies available to sickle cell patients at that
facility, including those being conducted jointly with Howard
University. |
