Sickle Cell

History

· Most common in Africa

· Most children born with it normally die an infant

· 40 % of tribe people have it

· 1^st discovered by physician in Chicago James B. Herrick

Symptoms

· Shortness of breath

· Dizziness

· Headaches

· Coldness in hands and feet

·Yellowish color of skin

· Whites of the eyes

Causes

· Swallow hands

· Organ damage

· Severe pain

· infection

· If inherit a hemoglobin gene from one parent and a normal gene from the other then you can get sickle cell.

· The alleles red blood cells in sickle cell are co-dominant.

Diagnosed

· When abnormal sickle-shaped cells in your blood is seen under a microscope

Treatment or cure

· No cure available

· Bone marrow transplantation

Prevented

· Get a blood test

· See if spouse is a carrier

· Have your 2-4 month old baby take penicillin

· Have regularly check-ups

Current Research

· Dr. Derek Person is doing a gene therapy solution on sickle cell. He is trying to find a cure or treatment for by adding or removing cells.

Video Website

5 Test Questions

1. What are some symptoms of Sickle cell?

2. Name three ethnic groups that have a more chance of getting sickle cell?

3. What are some things that you can do to prevent sickle cell?

4. Where is sickle cell most common at?

5. What are some causes of sickle cell?

Bibliography

Thursday, March 17, 2011