It is now far easier to blunt sickle cell disease

As population of sickle cell poses a formidable challenge, odds have dramatically lessened in its treatment. The increasing success rate of a particular bone marrow transplant, the only treatment for the disorder, has raised hopes for sickle-sick population in India.

Swollen hands and feet; episodes of intense pain in the chest, abdomen, joints or bones; and frequent infections are some of the leading symptoms of sickle cell anemia. Because the disease causes the body to have a shortage of red blood cells, it is also characterized by chronic fatigue. In infants, children and teenagers, sickle cell anemia can cause delayed growth and puberty. Various type of independent acute conditions are named sickle cell crisis. The sickle-cell crisis last between five and seven days. Certain body and weather conditions may precipitate the acute spell.

It is a very debilitating disease. As found in one of ICMR surveys, about 20 per cent of children with sickle disease died by the age of two and 30 per cent children with SCD among the tribal community die before they reach adulthood.