Sickle cell disease is a hereditary condition in which there are inadequate healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen for the entire body. In a healthy person, red blood cells are round and very flexible which can move and squeeze through blood vessels of the entire body. However, in any sickle cell patient, these red blood cells turn very sticky and rigid since it turns into a sickle or crescent moon shape. This irregular structure of the cells restricts its movement across the blood vessels of the body, finally, it blocks the blood flow as well as oxygen supply to the whole body.
So there arises a need for sick cell treatment in order to fix the situation as well as its symptoms.
Why a majority of Africa’s patients looking for Sickle Cell treatment in India?
Majority of the worldwide cases of sickle cell are from the region of sub-Saharan Africa. Hence, more of Africa’s patients are in need of treatment. The mortality rate is also high due to the lack of treatment options there. It is a very challenging situation especially for the newborns as most of them turn into Africa’s patients with SCD. The reason is an inheritance of sickle cell mutated genes in the African population.
Every year several of Africa’s patients reach India in need of sickle cell treatment and in the past few years, India has turned into a hub for economic and effective medical treatments. Most of Africa’s patients get inclined towards India for sickle cell treatment because the price of treatment is comparatively cheaper than offered by other countries, as well as effective with high success rates.
How bone marrow transplantation is an effective Sickle Cell treatment?
Indian hospitals are equipped with both experienced professionals as well as equipment which are required for the sickle cell treatment. So more and more of Africa’s patients are reaching out to India for bone marrow transplantation (BMT) to get the only available sickle cell treatment. BMT is highly effective in several other blood disorders like thalassemia etc. Sickle cell treatment with BMT restores the quality of life of the patient.
During this procedure of BMT involves replacing damaged or impaired stem cell with the healthy ones obtained from the donor or the patient himself. Depending upon the severity and condition of Africa’s patients during sickle cell treatment your physician will be able to suggest you the best possible option of BMT.
The success of the sickle cell treatment depends directly on the donor stem cells how closer HLA-match it possesses and how the body reacts towards it, accepts it or rejects it. The treatment provides a good survival of life to Africa’s patients unless any complications arise.
Related FAQs:
1) Q: Why is sickle cell disease so common in Africa? How is it caused?
A: In Africa, the majority of the population experience from SCD. It is mainly caused by mutation of the β hemoglobin gene which further causes sickle cell formation of the hemoglobin. Also, in people who are sickle cell disease carriers with just a single gene of sickle cell are immune against malaria, which turns out to be an advantage.
2) Q: Can SCD get cured on its own without sickle cell treatment?
A: No, it is such type of anemia which cannot go away on its own. So, it is important to for a baby or adult to seek medical help for sickle cell.
Q: What are the symptoms to look for sickle cell disease (SCD)?
A: Some of the symptoms of SCD include severe pain episodes of bones, joints, chest; fever; abdominal swelling; yellowing of the skin, nails, eyes; and even sudden stroke symptoms.