Sickle Cell Anemi The Course And Impact - 1512 Words

Sickle Cell Anemia: The Course and Impact The past century has seen a significant increase in diversity across the United States. Approximately 36% of the population belongs to an ethnic or racial minority group according to the most recent census information. For the majority of the American population, infant mortality has been reduced and life expectancy has significantly increased. Health indicators such as these show improvement but minorities still continue to experience a disproportionate burden of death, disability, preventable disease, access to care, and treatment options. The disparities become even more pronounced when looking at awareness and treatment for particular diseases that are specific to a minority group. Sickle†¦show more content†¦Etiology Hemoglobin is a protein within erythrocytes responsible for binding, carrying, and delivering oxygen throughout the body. These disorders are inherited and therefore not contagious. For an individual to have sickle cell anemia each of their parents must have an abnormal hemoglobin gene and both of these genes must be expressed. All of the cells within the tissues of the body need a regular supply of oxygen to function. The hemoglobin found in red blood cells (RBC’s) are essential for the proper transport of oxygen molecules. They bind oxygen in the lungs and carry to every tissue within the body. Due to the structure of hemoglobin, normal RBC’s are donut shaped with a concaved center. This flexible shape is what allows the BRC’s to move freely into very small spaces such as capillaries where they will deliver their oxygen. Sickle cell anemia or other diseases that fall within the broader group of disorders characterized by SCD describe conditions where the protein (hemoglobin) has misfolded and altered the shape of the cell. Sickle hemoglobin allows for the formation of stiff rods within the red blood cell giving it a sickle, or crescent shape. This new shape is not flexible and can block or slow the flow of blood. When this occurs, oxygen cannot reach its intended tissues. Thi s results in severe pain called crises, and these attacks occur