TheDexterians

Inheritance of Sickle Cell Disease

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCD is a group of disorders that affects the hemoglobin, the molecule inside red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body. People with this disorder usually have distorted, crescent shaped red blood cells. The signs and symptoms of SCD usually begin in childhood. Signs and symptoms include: low RBC count (anemia), repeated infections, and periodic episodes of pain. Symptom severity varies from person to person. Some may have mild severity, while others can be hospitalized for severe infections. RBCs will sickle, and when they sickle, they break down prematurely, causing anemia. Symptoms of anemia include: shortness of breath, fatigue, and delayed growth and development in children. There are an estimated 70,000-80,000 Americans that live with sickle cell disease. Pain is caused when the pointy-like cells pass through small blood tubes, causing them to break apart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References:

 

Sickle cell disease. (n.d.). - Genetics Home Reference. Retrieved May 1, 2014, from http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/sickle-cell-disease

 

. (n.d.). . Retrieved May 1, 2014, from http://www.wepsicklecell.org/about/