Google
Trusted Resources: Evidence & Education
Scientific literature and patient education texts
Sickle cell disease: a neglected chronic disease of increasing global health importance
source: British Medical Journal
year: 2015
authors: Chakravorty S, Williams TN
summary/abstract:Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a single gene disorder causing a debilitating systemic syndrome characterised by chronic anaemia, acute painful episodes, organ infarction and chronic organ damage and by a significant reduction in life expectancy. The origin of SCD lies in the malarial regions of the tropics where carriers are protected against death from malaria and hence enjoy an evolutionary advantage. More recently, population migration has meant that SCD now has a worldwide distribution and that a substantial number of children are born with the condition in higher-income areas, including large parts of Europe and North and South America. Newborn screening, systematic clinical follow-up and prevention of sepsis and organ damage have led to an increased life expectancy among people with SCD in many such countries; however, in resource-limited settings where the majority continue to be born, most affected children continue to die in early childhood, usually undiagnosed, due to the lack of effective programmes for its early detection and treatment. As new therapies emerge, potentially leading to disease amelioration or cure, it is of paramount importance that the significant burden of SCD in resource-poor countries is properly recognised.
organization: Imperial College, London; UK KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, KilifiDOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2013-303773
read more full text
+myBinderRelated Content
-
Sickle cell gene linked to elevated risk of developing kidney failureNew research indicates that being born w...
-
Hydroxyurea Therapy for Children With Sickle Cell Anemia in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Rationale and Design of the REACH ...Background: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) i...
-
Sickle Cell Trait and Blood, Organ and Tissue Donation: Yes You Can!People with sickle cell trait can donate...
-
Debunking the Myths About Sickle Cell Diseasehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZMwkE-W...
-
Dr. Freda Gives the 411 on Sickle Cell Diseasehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aMrRu7R...
-
Environmental, genetic factors may predict longevity in sickle cell diseaseA case series of individuals with sickle...
-
Sickle Cell Disease Factshttps://static.wixstatic.com/media/c7814...
To improve your experience on this site, we use cookies. This includes cookies essential for the basic functioning of our website, cookies for analytics purposes, and cookies enabling us to personalize site content. By clicking on 'Accept' or any content on this site, you agree that cookies can be placed. You may adjust your browser's cookie settings to suit your preferences. More Information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
Powered by
Support for this site is provided by
This platform is made possible through a partnership with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) and its member organizations. SCDAA's mission is to advocate for people affected by sickle cell conditions and empower community-based organizations to maximize quality of life and raise public consciousness while advancing the search for a universal cure.