When a child is diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia, he or she is immediately given a Pedigree Worksheet. Parents are encouraged to be consistent and write down their child’s S.C.A.C status at each appointment, so that the doctors can note what they are looking for. The Worksheet can also be used as a reminder of the type of blood tests that are to be given each year.
Sickle Cell Anemia is a genetic disorder that can affect any part of the body. It does not discriminate between genders or age. It can be passed on from one parent to the next. The condition itself is not life threatening, but it is one of the most common genetic disorders in adults. Only one in every four hundred thousand babies are born with the condition, which is inherited from either parent.
Symptoms of Sickle Cell Anemia are bruising and bleeding, usually found in the lower legs. The condition causes red swollen umbilical vein, which is red or purplish. Painful urination, swelling in the legs, and hardening of the ankles are common symptoms. The condition often causes skin irritation, muscle weakness, fatigue, and poor appetite.
Blood tests can show a family history of Sickle Cell Anemia. These tests include Rh-Au-C (Thyroid), Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and ELISA. Diagnostic testing includes complete blood count, blood culture, complete blood count, hemoglobin, platelet count, plasma, and serum. Blood transfusions are sometimes performed in children with sickle cell disease.
Sickle Cell Anemia is caused by a mutation on chromosome number fifteen, which is passed down through the mother’s genes. It is believed that sickle cell is passed down from a mother to her child. Some cases of Sickle Cell Anemia may also be hereditary or may be caused by genetic disorders other than Sickle Cell Anemia. Medical tests can help determine if a child has the illness.
Treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia depends on the severity of the condition. Doctors can prescribe medications to control the symptoms, or they may recommend surgery. If treatment is started early, the condition can be controlled.
Doctors who specialize in Sickle Cell Anemia can treat children that are too young to receive blood transfusions. Treatment is given when the symptoms are discovered early. Some children can be treated with a combination of drugs and surgeries, while others will need to undergo all three.
Sickle Cell Anemia is a serious condition that should be handled with care. Parents should be reminded that doctors may use a Sickle Cell Anemia Pedigree Worksheet to determine whether their child needs treatment. It is a great tool for parents and doctors to use together.
