What is the current treatment for sickle cell anemia?

Approved treatments Currently, the only treatment that can offer a potential cure for sickle cell disease is stem cell transplantation. The procedure aims to replace the stem cells in the bone marrow — the source of new red blood cells — with healthy stem cells from a matching donor.

Is sickle cell anemia common in India?

The sickle gene is widespread among many tribal population groups in India with prevalence of heterozygotes varying from 1-40 per cent. Co-inheritance of the sickle gene with β-thalassaemia, HbD Punjab and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency has also been reported.

How does hydroxyurea work?

Hydroxyurea makes your red blood cells bigger. It helps them stay rounder and more flexible — and makes them less likely to turn into a sickle shape. The medicine does this by increasing a special kind of hemoglobin called hemoglobin F. Hemoglobin F is also called fetal hemoglobin because newborn babies have it.

Why does sickle cell anemia occur?

Sickle cell anemia is caused by a mutation in the gene that tells your body to make the iron-rich compound that makes blood red and enables red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs throughout your body (hemoglobin).

What is the cost of sickle cell treatment in India?

The most effective treatment of sickle cell disease is bone marrow treatment. In India, bone marrow transplant (BMT) surgery costs is one of the lowest among medically advanced countries of the world. BMT in India costs in the range of 35,000 – 42,000 USD.

What is the best treatment for sickle cell anemia?

Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment in India: 1.Stem cell or bone marrow transplant: Stem cell or bone marrow transplant is a very successful procedure for curing the condition. Stem cells are special cells produced by bone marrow that can turn into different types of blood cells.

What is the history of sickle cell anemia in India?

First described in the Nilgiri Hills of northern Tamil Nadu in 1952, the sickle cell gene is now known to be widespread among people of the Deccan plateau of central India with a smaller focus in the north of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Is newborn screening the best way to diagnose Indian sickle cell disease?

It is becoming clear that a great deal remains to be learnt about Indian sickle cell disease (Table) and the best way of achieving this is by studies based on newborn screening which removes the bias of symptomatic selection.