Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary condition affecting red blood cells’ ability to transport oxygen efficiently throughout the body. Unlike normal round-shaped red blood cells, those affected by sickle cell anemia are typically crescent-shaped or sickle-shaped.

Pre-procedure Investigation and Check-ups

People who show symptoms of sickle cell Anemia need to undergo blood tests as a step of diagnosis.

Blood Tests: Blood sample collection for diagnosing sickle cell anemia involves performing hemoglobin electrophoresis to identify the presence of mutated hemoglobin genes. If the analysis reveals red blood cells with sickle shapes, it confirms the presence of sickle cell anemia in the individual.

Screening Tests: Screening tests are highly advantageous for identifying whether an individual carries mutated genes, providing crucial information about the risk of passing them on to their children. Therefore, this diagnostic procedure is also known as preventive screening tests.

Newborn Screening Test: In the case of a newborn, screening tests are conducted to detect sickle cell disease. If the initial test yields a positive result, further tests are performed, including additional screenings to precisely identify the specific type of mutated hemoglobin cells present.

Prenatal Screening: Prenatal screening is a diagnostic procedure conducted before the birth of the baby, typically using a sample of amniotic fluid. This examination can be performed in the early stages of pregnancy, usually around 8 to 10 weeks gestation.

Treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia in India

In India, the treatment for sickle cell anemia typically involves a combination of approaches. This includes regular blood transfusions, the administration of specific medications, and in some cases, surgical interventions.

Medications: Medications can effectively manage sickle cell anemia by reducing the frequency of crises, minimizing the need for blood transfusions, and lowering hospital admissions. This treatment approach aims to improve quality of life and reduce complications associated with the condition.

Blood Transfusion: Blood transfusion is a medical procedure where healthy red blood cells (RBCs) are extracted from donated blood and then infused into the bloodstream of a patient affected by this disease.

This process boosts the overall number of blood cells in affected patients, thereby potentially reducing the symptoms and complications associated with sickle cell anemia.

Bone Marrow Transplant: This surgical procedure involves replacing the diseased bone marrow of the patient with healthy bone marrow obtained from a donor who does not carry the disease.

This procedure ensures the production of normal and healthy red blood cells in the body of the affected patient, thereby reducing the symptoms and other complications of the disease.

Post-procedure Care and Compassion

Patients are required to maintain follow-up appointments for three months after their discharge from the hospital following transplantation. During this post-transplantation period, there may be fluctuations in health. This is due to the body being relatively fragile, as the immune system is not fully operational to defend against infections. It typically takes several months for the immune system to resume normal function.
It’s crucial to heed your doctor’s advice above all else. Additionally, there are essential post-discharge precautions to observe, particularly regarding infection prevention. Here are the key strategies to follow:

• Wash hands every time you touch an object
• Keep a separate towel to use
• Change your bed sheets every week
• Brush teeth twice a day
• Keep your surroundings clean and avoid flowers, plants, dust and large gatherings

Factors Determining Sickle cell Anemia Treatment Cost in India

The cost of treating sickle cell anemia in India varies based on factors such as the hospital chosen, the type of treatment required, doctor’s fees, medical expenses, and other associated costs. Patients typically undergo various standard tests and diagnostic procedures to accurately diagnose the disease.

Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment cost in India are as follow