World Sickle Cell Day: Why Is It A Need Of The Hour

Posted on: Jun 19, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

World Sickle Cell Day: Why Is It A Need Of The Hour

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a critical illness caused by genetic blood conditions in which red blood cells change from round to sickle or crescent-shaped. This can impede blood flow and cause discomfort, anaemia, infections, and organ damage. Individuals inherit it from their parents; two sickle cell genes are required for the disease to manifest, but only one gene indicates a carrier (sickle cell trait) that does not manifest symptoms.

Every year on June 19, the world observes World Sickle Cell Day to increase awareness of SCD. Worldwide, organisations come together to support awareness campaigns and events on this day. To manage and prevent complications from SCD, these initiatives emphasise the significance of early diagnosis, efficient treatment, and preventive measures.

Fact 1: Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder

SCD is caused by a genetic mutation affecting red blood cells' haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein. Due to this mutation, haemoglobin forms improperly, giving the cells a sickle shape rather than a spherical one, like a crescent. Here are some other facts about the cells that you should know:

• Inherited illness:

SCD is an inherited disorder that results from receiving one sickle cell gene from each parent. If you only receive one, you are likely sickle cell trait-positive and asymptomatic.

• Shape and Action of Cells:

The stiff, sickle-shaped cells can obstruct blood flow, resulting in discomfort and other problems.

• Cell Lifespan:

Because the body cannot produce new sickle cells fast enough, anaemia results from the sickle cells' shorter lifespan compared to healthy red blood cells.

Fact 2: Bone marrow transplant and gene therapy are the known ways to treat it

Currently, bone marrow or stem cell transplants are the only known treatments for SCD. During this surgery, healthy bone marrow from a donor is used to replace the patient's damaged bone marrow. The condition is successfully cured because the replacement marrow generates healthy red blood cells.

Nevertheless, locating a suitable donor—typically a close relative- can be difficult. Significant hazards associated with the surgery include severe adverse effects and transplanted marrow rejection. Transplants are often only considered in the most serious situations due to these dangers.

Fact 3: Sickle cell disease can cause recurrent infections

SCD may cause damage to the spleen, which increases susceptibility to infections due to the sickling of red blood cells. This can cause damage to the spleens, known as autosplenectomy; leading to a compromised immune system.

Fact 4: Sickle cell disease causes immense pain in the joins

Pain crises are brief, intense bursts of discomfort, usually in the back, joints, or chest. It occurs when blood flow is obstructed by sickle-shaped cells.

Fact 5: Sickle cell disease causes anaemia

Red blood cells in people with SCD degrade more quickly than healthy red blood cells, which results in a persistent low red blood cell count.

Fact 6: Sickle cell anaemia can cause delayed puberty

Approximately 40-60% with SCD experience delayed puberty and slowed growth rates.

Fact 7: SCD can cause vision problems

Blockages in the eyes' small blood vessels can cause problems with vision.

Fact 8: It can cause swelling in the feet and hands

For patients suffering from SCD, blocked blood flow can cause swelling in the hands and feet. This condition is known as dactylitis or hand-foot syndrome.

Fact 9: Awareness can aid early diagnosis and efficient treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly enhance the quality of life and overall health for those afflicted with this critical illness. Complications such as organ damage, infections, and pain crises can be avoided and managed with a better understanding of the disease.

The theme for the 2024 World Sickle Cell Day is "Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally." This theme highlights the significance of international cooperation and solidarity in improving the care and treatment of people with SCD. Raising awareness and decreasing stigma and motivation can lead to significant changes for those impacted by this illness.

Fact 10: People with sickle cell anaemia can receive health insurance

People with sickle cell disease can have access to both government-sponsored programmes and a variety of private insurance providers for health coverage. Plans that pay for hospital stays, diagnostic exams, and SCD treatments are widely available from private insurers. Certain health insurance plans may have different eligibility requirements and benefits. Patients with SCD in India should select a health insurance plan that best suits their medical requirements and budget.

Conclusion

Awareness of sickle cell disease is important for an early diagnosis and efficient treatment. Every year on June 19, World Sickle Cell Day is celebrated to increase awareness, encourage early detection, and provide effective care. Anaemia, oedema, infections, stunted growth, and visual issues are some warning signs of SCD. The only known treatment at this time is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, although both come with risks. Researchers are beginning to conduct trials on the efficacy of gene therapy. Government-sponsored and private health insurance can help patients navigate through the cost of diagnosis and treatment.

Disclaimer The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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