Sickle cell anemia: An update on diagnosis, management and prevention strategies

• Published in: Indian Journal of Community and Family Medicine
• Main Authors: Shruti Mishra, Gaurav Chhabra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2018-01-01
• Subjects: sickle cell anemia; sickle cell disease; sickle cell anemia diagnosis; sickle cell anemia management.
• Online Access: http://www.ijcfm.org/article.asp?issn=2395-2113;year=2018;volume=4;issue=2;spage=67;epage=71;aulast=Mishra

Sickle cell anemia is the most common disease entity of all the monogenic disorders. This is an autosomal recessive disorder. HbS polymerization, vaso-occlusion, and hemolytic anemia are central to the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease, they precipitate a cascade of pathologic events, which in turn lead to a wide range of complications. The disease is particularly more prevalent in certain regions of the country like Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Tamilnadu and has a significant impact on morbidity. Community based approach by providing availability of screening tests, & pre-marital and pre-pregnancy counselling should be initiated to reduce the disease burden in the society.