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Sickle Cell

Absolute curative sickle cell anemia treatment in India

Around 5% of the global population has trait genes for hemoglobin disorders, primarily sickle-cell disease and thalassemia. Every year, over 300,000 babies are born with sickle cell anemia. In Africa, sickle-cell disease is the most common.

With the advancement of technologies, Sickle cell diseases are now curable with advanced bone marrow transplants. A few decades ago, Sickle cell disease was an illness that used to last for a lifetime. Medications are available only to decrease symptoms and prolong life. However, A bone marrow transplant had come as a new ray of light and is the only cure for sickle cell disease.

Let me introduce you, to one of our patients Tasha from Kampala, Uganda shares her experience of sickle cell anemia treatment in India.

Tasha was a 12-year-old girl from Kampala, Uganda. Tasha’s father Mukisa was a businessman and her mother Afiya is a housewife. Tasha loves to play with her two elder brothers and a sister. 

Three years back, Tasha was then 9-year-old and she was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. Tasha experienced a lot of pain. These pain episodes are referred to as “pain crises” and headaches. 

There was a time when Tasha experienced a major pain crisis which resulted in her being hospitalized for 9 days. Tasha’s hemoglobin was very low, and the doctors told her she had pneumonia. The doctor informed Musika that she would require a blood transfusion and a blood transfusion was done.

Sickle cell anemia treatment in India
Sickle cell anemia treatment in India

The doctor also prescribed medication and regular checkups with a blood test to check the hemoglobin levels for Tasha. 

Mukisa and Afiya were very concerned about Tasha’s condition. They were also aware that the treatment was just for managing the symptoms of sickle cell disease. The parents were keen on a permanent cure for sickle cell disease. 

Mukisa started researching on the internet for the permanent cure for sickle cell anemia. While researching, he came to know about bone marrow transplants. Musika then researched for the best and most affordable bone marrow transplant then he came to know about MedicoExperts. He dropped an inquiry to MedicoExperts for treatment. 

MedicoExperts team explained to Musika regarding the bone marrow transplant and also arranged an online video consultation with the bone marrow transplant expert doctor. The doctor explained the whole procedure and cleared all the doubts of Musika and Afiya regarding the outcome. The doctor also asked to do an HLA test to match the bone marrow for Tasha’s elder brother and sister so that they can donate bone marrow to Tasha.

Musika did the test and his elder son Eddy’s bone marrow was found out to be the perfect match. Musika and Afiya decide to come to India for a bone marrow transplant. The MedicoExperts patient care team helped Musika with logistics, visas, and documentation for the transplantation.

After one month, Musika and Afiya along with Tasha and Eddy came to India for the transplant. On the same day, Afiya and Eddy were admitted, the doctor did the investigations before the transplantation.  

For 1 to 2 weeks before the transplant, Tasha was given chemotherapy to destroy the cells that make abnormal blood cells. Then the doctor extracted Eddie’s bone marrow and then transplanted it into Tasha’s bone marrow following all the steps and precautions as per the protocol. 

Both Tasha and Eddie were in good condition after the transplantation.  After the transplant, Tasha was in observation for 2 months. Tasha’s body accepted the new bone marrow conveniently and started producing normal and healthy Red Blood cells ( Sickle cell-free). 

Finally, Tasha came out with Sickle cell disease. Musika and Afiya both were very happy with the outcome and thanked the doctors and MedicoExperts.

You can also win your battle against sickle cell anemia and live a life as if nothing happened.

Before moving forward, Let’s first understand what sickle cell anemia is.

Sickle cell anemia treatment in India

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What is Sickle cell anemia?

Sickle cell anemia is one of a group of disorders known as sickle cell disease (SCD).

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited red blood cell disorder in which the body’s supply of healthy red blood cells is insufficient to transport oxygen throughout the body.

People with sickle cell disease have abnormal protein in their red blood cells. 

The shape of the cell becomes deformed in sickle cell anemia, becoming stiff and crescent-shaped (or sickle-shaped). The sickle-shaped red blood cells easily break apart, causing anemia.

Sickle blood cells cannot function appropriately and suffer premature death (they live only 10-20 days instead of the standard 120 days).

What is Sickle cell anemia

What are the different types of sickle cell disease?

Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. It usually consists of two alpha and two beta chains. 

Different mutations in these genes cause the four main types of sickle cell anemia.

The most common type of sickle cell disease is hemoglobin SS disease. It happens when both parents give you copies of the hemoglobin S gene. This results in Hb SS hemoglobin. Individuals with the most severe form of SCD also experience the most severe symptoms at a higher rate.

The second most common type of sickle cell disease is hemoglobin SC disease. When you inherit the Hb C gene from one parent and the Hb S gene from the other, you get this condition. Hb SC patients have symptoms that are similar to Hb SS patients. The anemia, on the other hand, is not as severe.

The production of beta-globin genes is affected by hemoglobin SB+ (beta) thalassemia. Because less beta protein is produced, the size of the red blood cell shrinks. Hemoglobin S beta-thalassemia is caused by inheriting the Hb S gene. The symptoms aren’t as bad.

The fourth type of sickle cell disease is sickle beta-zero thalassemia. The beta-globin gene is also involved. It has symptoms that are similar to Hb SS anemia. The symptoms of beta zero thalassemias can, however, be more severe at times. It has been linked to a worse prognosis.

There also are a few rare types of SCD

These types of sickle cell disease are more uncommon, and their symptoms are usually mild.

Sickle cell anemia treatment in India

What is Sickle Cell Trait (SCT)?

SCT patients inherit one sickle cell gene (“S”) and one normal gene (“A”) from one parent and one sickle cell gene (“S”) from the other. This is referred to as the sickle cell trait (SCT).

SCT patients usually show no symptoms of the disease and lead normal lives, but they can pass the trait down to their children. In addition, there are a few uncommon health issues that could be linked to sickle cell trait.

What are the signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia?

The indication of sickle cell disease is not evident until the child is four months or older. Early symptoms of sickle cell disease include inflammation of the hands and feet; anemia symptoms, including exhaustion or severe fatigue; and jaundice.

Over time, sickle cell disease can cause complications like illnesses, delayed development, and pain episodes, called pain crises. Most kids with sickle cell disease are pain-free in-between crises.

In cases of youth and adults, there can be chronic, continued pain. Over a lifetime, the spleen, brain, eyes, lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, penis, joints, bones, or skin can be affected by sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease can be easily diagnosed by a blood test. The blood test will reveal whether you have sickle cell disease or sickle cell traits. This will help to plan for the further treatment protocol.

signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia,

What complications can arise from sickle cell anemia?

Sickle cell anemia can cause different types of complications such as

RBC deficiency causes anemia. Sickle cells are easily broken. Chronic hemolysis is the term for the breakdown of RBCs. RBCs have a lifespan of about 120 days. Sickle cells can only live for 10 to 20 days.

When sickle-shaped RBCs block blood vessels in the hands and feet. The hands and feet swell as a result of this. It may also result in leg ulcers. In babies, swollen hands and feet are commonly the first sign of sickle cell anemia.

People with SCD frequently experience delayed growth. Children are typically shorter, but by adulthood, they have regained their height. Sexual maturation may be postponed as well. This occurs because sickle cell RBCs are unable to provide sufficient oxygen and nutrients.

Sickle cell disease can cause seizures, strokes, and even coma. They are caused by blockages in the brain. Treatment should be sought right away.

Sickle cells can clog the tiny blood vessels that supply your eyes. This can cause vision problems by damaging the retina, which is the part of the eye that processes visual images.

Your spleen may be damaged by sickle cells, making you more susceptible to infections. Vaccinations and antibiotics are commonly given to infants and children with sickle cell anemia to prevent potentially life-threatening infections like pneumonia.

One of the most common symptoms of sickle cell anemia is pain crisis. Pain occurs when sickle-shaped red blood cells block blood flow to your chest, abdomen, and joints through tiny blood vessels. Bone pain is also a possibility.

The pain can range in intensity and last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. Some people only have a couple of pain crises per year. Others suffer from a dozen or more pain crises every year. A hospital stay is required in the event of a severe pain crisis.

Chronic pain affects some adolescents and adults with sickle cell anemia, which can be caused by bone and joint damage, ulcers, and other factors.

sickle cell anemia diagnosis tests

How is sickle cell disease diagnosed?

A simple blood test is used to diagnose Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). It’s most commonly discovered at the hospital during routine newborn screening tests. SCD can also be detected prior to birth.

Because children with SCD have a higher risk of infection and other health problems, it’s critical to get them diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

What are the sickle cell anemia treatment in India?

If you have sickle cell disease, to monitor your red blood cell count and track your health, you will need to visit your doctor regularly. Treatments may include pain reduction drugs and complications prevention, blood transfusions, supplementary oxygen, as well as bone marrow transplantation.

Medicines used to treat anemia of sickle cells include antibiotics, pain-relieving medications, and the use of certain drugs.

Blood transfusions boost the amount of ordinary circulating red blood cells, helping to ease anemia. Regular blood transfusions can decrease the risk of stroke in children with sickle cell anemia at high risk of stroke.

In order to prevent disease in all kids, childhood vaccinations are essential. But for kids with sickle cell anemia, these vaccinations are even more essential, as infections can be serious in kids with sickle cell anemia.

Breathing extra energy through a breathing mask adds oxygen to your blood and makes it simpler for you to breathe. If you have acute chest syndrome or a crisis of sickle cell, it may be useful.

A bone marrow transplant replaces the cells that create red blood cells in your body with fresh ones. That implies your body will stop producing the disease-causing sickle-shaped cells.

In this procedure, a doctor requires healthy cells from a donor’s bone marrow and injects them into your body, generally in one of your veins through an IV tube. The cells go into your bone marrow once inside and begin to create healthy blood cells.

Bone marrow transplantation is the most effective treatment protocol in treating sickle cell disease (SCD). For a patient to have the greatest opportunity for a successful transplant, a well-matched donor is required.

Blood and bone marrow transplants in India are effective in approximately 90% of instances involving children related to the recipient and matched with HLA (human leukocyte antigen). Medication is administered to avoid rejection of the transplanted bone marrow.

To know more, please visit the bone marrow transplantation page.

Cost of sickle cell anemia treatment in India

Sickle cell treatment cost in India depends upon the treatment advised according to the patient’s condition.

The sure way of treating sickle cell disease is by undergoing a bone marrow transplant Cost of bone marrow transplantation in India starts from 15000 USD (1121415 INR) and depends on the type of bone marrow transplantation.

A pre-operative evaluation is done to determine the best-suited approach. A preliminary evaluation is a must to determine the condition and to propose the best-suited treatment.

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Sucess rate of Sickle cell Anemia treatment in India

With the novel approach of bone marrow transplantation, the success rate of sickle cell disease has risen as high as 90% amongst our patients.

There is a 95% success rate in patients who had HLA identical sibling bone marrow transplantation in sickle cell disease (SCD)

Sickle cell anemia treatment in India is a life-saving and pain-relieving procedure that will bring relief to the patient. The assured and tried procedure to treat sickle cell disease is receiving a bone marrow transplantation.

Frequently Asked Questions and patient concerns:

1. Does sickle cell anemia differ from sickle cell trait?

Yes. An individual in their red blood cells can have a combination of ordinary and defective haemoglobin without sickle cell disease. This disease is called “sickle cell syndrome.” People with sickle cell traits have red blood cells which have sufficient haemoglobin that can stop the cells from sickling or getting diseased.

It is vital to remember that there is no sickle cell illness in individuals with sickle cell trait. Except in uncommon conditions, they generally do not develop sickle cell disease. People with sickle cell trait may, however, pass the characteristic genetically to their kids. If two individuals with sickle cell trait have kids together, their kids will have a 1 in 4 opportunity of sickle cell anemia.

2. What is the likelihood of my kid having sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait being born?

If both you and your partner have sickle cell traits, there is a 25 per cent possibility that your baby will be born with sickle cell anemia. If only one of you has sickle cell characteristics, your baby can not be born with sickle cell anemia, but there is a 50% possibility that your child will be born with sickle cell characteristics.

3. How does an individual get sickle cell anemia?

The disease is inherited by people with sickle cell anemia, which implies that their parents pass the disease on to them as part of their genetic makeup. Parents cannot pass on to their kids sickle cell anemia unless both of them have the defective haemoglobin in their red blood cells.

4. What are the medical issues created by sickle cell disease?

Sickle-shaped red blood cells tend to block blood flow in tight blood vessels. This may cause organ harm including spleen, liver, and kidney damage. Other complications include episodes of pain and issues with the lungs.

5. Who is mostly affected by sickle cell trait?

A huge number of people worldwide have sickle cell traits. Majority of the people of African ancestry have the sickle cell trait, however this is not exclusive to them.

6. Can sickle cell disease be acquired?

Sickle cell is a condition inherited. In no other manner can it be acquired.

7. When is it advised to seek medical assist for sickle cell trait?

Individuals should see a doctor when they notice blood in their urine, experience eye trauma, or have heat exhaustion or an incident comparable to that.

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