Facts about Sickle Cell Anemia

1. 05

   The lifespan of sickle-shaped red blood cells is only 10 to 20 days, compared to the normal 120 days, leading to chronic anemia.

   Sickle Cell AnemiaJun 6sharebiologyhematologydisease
2. 04

   Hydroxyurea was the first drug approved by the FDA to treat sickle cell anemia, working by increasing fetal hemoglobin production.

   Sickle Cell AnemiaJun 6sharemedicinetreatmentgenetics
3. 03

   Red blood cells in sickle cell anemia assume a rigid, crescent shape that blocks small blood vessels, causing episodes of severe pain called vaso-occlusive crises.

   Sickle Cell AnemiaJun 6sharebiologymedicinehematology
4. 02

   Inheriting one sickle cell gene confers significant protection against severe malaria, explaining why the mutation is common in populations from malaria-endemic regions.

   Sickle Cell AnemiaJun 6sharegeneticsevolutionimmunity
5. 01

   A single point mutation in the HBB gene causes sickle cell anemia, substituting valine for glutamic acid in the beta-globin protein.

   Sickle Cell AnemiaJun 6sharegeneticsbiologydisease