Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell anaemia is a severe hereditary disease also known as drepanocytosis, meniscocytosis, S-hemoglobin disease, Gerrick syndrome, African hemolytic anaemia. It is caused by homozygous inheritance of Hb S. Sickle erythrocytes cause vascular occlusion and are prone to hemolysis, leading to severe pain crises, organ ischemia and other systemic complications. Exacerbations (crises) often occur. The development of acute infectious diseases, bone marrow aplasia, lung lesions (acute thoracic syndrome) is possible, which leads to death. Anaemia is present and sickle cells are usually visible in a peripheral blood smear.

The disease requires immediate intervention by physicians, aggressive treatment, as the prognosis remains more unfavourable. Not all medical institutions can oppose a serious disease to an adequate therapy regimen. Unique technologies for treating the hematopoietic system have been developed in the Oncohematology Department of the Israeli clinic Tel Aviv Medical Clinic.

Highly qualified doctors with solid experience show positive results on survival statistics and remission of patients. An individual, attentive approach to each patient, careful observation and an adequate course of medical measures are the key to a successful fight against anaemia.

Symptoms of the disease

If you notice the following symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately:

• Muscle weakness;
• Pale skin;
• Hair loss and bone breakage;
• Feeling burning in the tongue;
• Menstrual cycle disturbance;
• Neurological disorders;
• Frequent colds.

A qualified specialist will conduct a diagnostic examination and, based on his data, will select the correct treatment regimen. It is worth remembering that in time, the discovered pathology is easier and faster to cure. Do not ignore the presence of dangerous symptoms, because an adult may have a hypoxic coma.

Diagnosis of the disease

To make the correct diagnosis, the doctor uses the following research methods:

• Inspection;
• Blood test;
• Ultrasound;
• MRI;
• Bone marrow puncture if necessary;
• Additional tests.

Treatment of the disease

Treatment includes regular general strengthening activities, as well as specific supportive therapy for complications when they occur. Treatment is symptomatic. Currently, there are no effective drugs for the treatment of sickle cell anaemia in vivo. Splenectomy is also ineffective. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains the only method of radical treatment for sickle cell anaemia.