Published 10/27/26 under Rebirth X
INTRODUCTION
“Sickle cell disease affects more than 100,000 people in the United States and 8 million people worldwide” [5]. The impact of Sickle Cell Anemia (S.C.A.) or Sickle Cell Disease is throughout the world. S.C.A. is an inherited genetic disease that affects the hemoglobin levels, a major protein in red-blood cells.. The difference in hemoglobin results in differently shaped blood cells (as pictured), which can lead to various blood-related complications. This includes various blood blockages and blood clots.. Such blockage from S.C.A. can cause “chronic pain, stroke, lung problems, eye problems, infections, and kidney disease” [5].
CAUSES & SYMPTOMS
S.C.A is an inherited disease, behaving recessively Behaving recessively indicates some portion of the gene needed for the disease is present in one (or both) the parents DNA, labeling them carriers. If a child happens to have 2 carrier parents, they can inherit both portions of the mutated gene, giving them the disease. So,“[for] a child to have sickle cell anemia, both parents must carry one copy of the sickle cell gene and pass both copies to the child” [4].
“Symptoms of sickle cell anemia usually appear around 6 months of age” [4]. Anemia (lack of blood cells), painful episodes, swelling feet and hands, delayed growth, and vision problems are all symptoms of S.C.A.
Schedule a visit to your designated physician if you have extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, irregular heart beat, a fever of 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit, or chest pain [1].
TREATMENT
There are different treatments available, such as antibiotics for infections and blood transfusions. Some may even pursue CRISPR and gene therapy, as it becomes increasingly available to the general populus [1].Some possible medication include Droxia, Hydrea, Siklos or Myocel for patients to help further reduce complications, taken as prescribed Endari for children recommended for ages 5 and older in order to prevent the sickle cells to become more abnormal, and Adakveo for people ages 16 and older, reducing how often acute pain crisis happens [1].
DEVELOPMENTS IN TREATMENT
There have been recent developments in technology leaving scientists more optimistic of a cure. Such developments include CRISPR, targeting specific DNA segments in order to silence the mutant gene, and possibly replacing it entirely [2]. Alongside this technology, other pharmaceutical advancements can improve a person’s quality of life.
CONCLUSION
S.C.A. impacts many people around the world through their genetics impacting their blood cells. These genetic modifications have led to chronic symptoms that impact day to day life. However while S.C.A. can be hard to manage due to the symptoms and there being little to no prevention, current and new technologies are being created in order to help current people with the disease when treating and decreasing the severity of the symptoms.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cleveland Clinic. “Sickle Cell Anemia.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 2024, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4579-sickle-cell-anemia. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.
Desai, Priya. “Welcome to Zscaler Directory Authentication.” Sciquants.Com, 2026, sciquants.com/articles/sickle-cell-anemia-potential-cures/. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.
Designua. “Sickle Cell Disease.” Dreamstime, 24 Nov. 2022, www.dreamstime.com/sickle-cell-disease-sickle-cell-disease-difference-comparison-normal-red-blood-cell-sickle-shaped-erythrocytes-hbs-image262291285#res5606696. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.
Mayo Clinic. “Sickle Cell Anemia.” Mayo Clinic, 17 May 2025, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sickle-cell-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355876. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “Sickle Cell Disease - What Is Sickle Cell Disease?” Www.Nhlbi.Nih.Gov, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 30 Sept. 2024, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sickle-cell-disease. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.
