According To The CDC, Sickle Cell Disease Affects Approximat ✓ Solved

According to the CDC, sickle cell disease affects approximate 1

According to the CDC, sickle cell disease affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people in the US, with the incidence being much higher in African-American births (1 in 365). Even though treatments have improved in recent years, the mortality rate for sickle cell disease remains significant and is a public health concern. Illustrate the impact of sickle cell disease in the US.

The infographic should include colorful graphics that can be found on Pixabay.com. Important components of the infographic include statistics about this disorder such as incidence and mortality, causes, symptoms, genetics of sickle cell disease, and treatments. References used should be included.

Paper For Above Instructions

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the hemoglobin in red blood cells, causing them to become rigid and shaped like a sickle or crescent moon. This abnormal shape leads to various complications, including severe pain episodes known as sickle cell crises, increased risk of infections, and possible organ damage. While sickle cell disease is often associated with individuals of African descent, it can affect people from various ethnic backgrounds.

According to the CDC, approximately 100,000 people in the United States are affected by SCD, with the incidence notably higher among African-Americans, where it affects about 1 in 365 births (CDC, 2021). The significance of this public health issue is emphasized by the fact that patients often face chronic health challenges and require ongoing medical care.

Incidence and Mortality

The incidence of sickle cell disease in the U.S. highlights the need for targeted healthcare strategies. It is estimated that incidence rates can be as high as 1 in 13 for African American newborns who carry the sickle cell trait (CDC, 2021). Although advancements in treatment have improved life expectancy and quality of life for many affected individuals, the mortality rate remains a considerable concern. Studies indicate that patients with sickle cell disease have a life expectancy reduced by approximately 20 years compared to the general population (Kato et al., 2018).

Causes and Genetics

Sickle cell disease is caused by a mutation in the HBB gene, which provides instructions for making a component of hemoglobin (Ballas & Lusardi, 2005). This mutation results in the production of hemoglobin S (HbS), which leads to the deformation of red blood cells under low oxygen conditions. SCD is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning that an individual must inherit two copies of the sickle cell gene (one from each parent) to develop the disease. If only one copy is inherited, the individual is considered a carrier or has the sickle cell trait (World Health Organization, 2020).

Symptoms

The symptoms of sickle cell disease can vary significantly from one person to another. Common symptoms include anemia, episodes of severe pain, swelling in the hands and feet, frequent infections, delayed growth, and vision problems (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2021). These symptoms arise due to the effects of sickle-shaped cells blocking blood flow and depriving organs and tissues of oxygen. Pain crises can be triggered by factors such as dehydration, stress, and extreme temperatures.

Treatments

Treatment options for sickle cell disease have evolved to include preventive care, management of symptoms, and addressing complications. Hydroxyurea is a medication that can reduce the frequency of pain crises and the need for blood transfusions by increasing fetal hemoglobin levels, which reduces the percentage of sickle hemoglobin (NHLBI, 2021). Blood transfusions and in some cases, bone marrow transplants can also be utilized to manage severe symptoms or complications (Ballas, 2015).

Newer treatment options include gene therapy, which aims to target the genetic mutations responsible for the disease. Clinical trials are ongoing to assess the efficacy and safety of these advanced therapies (Hong et al., 2020). Additionally, comprehensive care guidelines emphasize the importance of regular check-ups, vaccinations, and education for patients and families to better manage the disease and improve overall health outcomes.

Conclusion

The impact of sickle cell disease on individuals and public health cannot be overstated. With approximately 100,000 affected individuals in the U.S. alone, ongoing education, research, and advancements in treatment are crucial. Infographics representing the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of sickle cell disease can serve as valuable tools in raising awareness and improving health literacy among communities impacted by this disorder.

References

• Ballas, S. K., & Lusardi, M. (2005). Sickle cell pain. Blood, 106(8), 2960-2963.
• Ballas, S. K. (2015). Management of sickle cell disease. Hematology/Oncology Clinics, 29(5), 971-988.
• CDC. (2021). Sickle cell disease (SCD). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/facts.html
• Hong, D., et al. (2020). Gene therapy for sickle cell disease: A review. American Journal of Hematology, 95(1), 45-54.
• Kato, G. J., et al. (2018). Sickle cell disease. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 4(1), 1-21.
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). What is sickle cell disease? Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sickle-cell-disease
• World Health Organization. (2020). Sickle cell disease. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sickle-cell-disease