Bone marrow transplants are the only known successful cure for sickle cell patients. Not without risks, this procedure can save Sickle Cell patients from reoccurring crises. Potentially able to survive for most of their lives without a BMT, several signs indicate one is necessary....
1) More and more transfusions are needed, due to the increase number of crisis moments. Too many transfusions lead to iron overload and may indicate that a better, more long-term solution is needed.
2) Kidney failure. Because the blood is chronically low on oxygen, many organs may not receive adequate blood supply. Such organs include the kidney, liver and spleen, among others. Organ damage can be fatal, indicating that perhaps a Bone Marrow Transplant is needed to relieve stress from the oxygen-deprivation of the sickle cells (1).
3) Pulmonary hypertension. Shortness of breath and fatigue indicate a high blood pressure in the lungs. This hypertension can be fatal, and if persistent treatments fail, a Bone Marrow Transplant may help.
4) Loss of vision. Tiny blood vessels that supply your eyes can get blocked by sickle cells. Check with an ophthalmologist if your vision blurs. A Bone Marrow Transplant has the potential to prevent further damage to the eyes.
5) Priapism. Because of the nature of sickle cell blood, the penis can be stuck in a long-lasting erection, eventually damaging the vital organ, leading to impotence.
6) An Acute chest syndrome episode. Acute chest syndrome occurs when sickle cells clump in the tiny vessels that supply the lungs. Often resembling pneumonia, ACS is accompanied by a violent cough, pain and a fever. Multiple episodes can cause permanent damage to the lungs and the vessels that supply blood, leading to pulmonary hypertension (see 3). If you've had one episode, a Bone Marrow Transplant can prevent more.
7) Strokes. Having one stroke, a person is more likely to have a second or a third. Strokes occur when the blood sickles in the vessels that supply blood to the brain. Again, if you've had one, action needs to taken to prevent a likely second (2).
Bone Marrow transplants require adequate matches, the better the match the less potential complications. How can I donate/become a Bone marrow donor?
Simply register! To become a donor it only takes a small vial of blood or swab of cheek cells. Individuals wishing to register can:
References
1. Mayo Clinic. (2014). Sickle Cell Anemia, Complications. Diseases and Conditions. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sickle-cell-anemia/basics/complications/con-20019348
2. John Hopkins Medicine. (2014). Sickle Cell Disease. Health Library. Retrieved from http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/hematology_and_blood_disorders/sickle_cell_disease_85,P00101/
1) More and more transfusions are needed, due to the increase number of crisis moments. Too many transfusions lead to iron overload and may indicate that a better, more long-term solution is needed.
2) Kidney failure. Because the blood is chronically low on oxygen, many organs may not receive adequate blood supply. Such organs include the kidney, liver and spleen, among others. Organ damage can be fatal, indicating that perhaps a Bone Marrow Transplant is needed to relieve stress from the oxygen-deprivation of the sickle cells (1).
3) Pulmonary hypertension. Shortness of breath and fatigue indicate a high blood pressure in the lungs. This hypertension can be fatal, and if persistent treatments fail, a Bone Marrow Transplant may help.
4) Loss of vision. Tiny blood vessels that supply your eyes can get blocked by sickle cells. Check with an ophthalmologist if your vision blurs. A Bone Marrow Transplant has the potential to prevent further damage to the eyes.
5) Priapism. Because of the nature of sickle cell blood, the penis can be stuck in a long-lasting erection, eventually damaging the vital organ, leading to impotence.
6) An Acute chest syndrome episode. Acute chest syndrome occurs when sickle cells clump in the tiny vessels that supply the lungs. Often resembling pneumonia, ACS is accompanied by a violent cough, pain and a fever. Multiple episodes can cause permanent damage to the lungs and the vessels that supply blood, leading to pulmonary hypertension (see 3). If you've had one episode, a Bone Marrow Transplant can prevent more.
7) Strokes. Having one stroke, a person is more likely to have a second or a third. Strokes occur when the blood sickles in the vessels that supply blood to the brain. Again, if you've had one, action needs to taken to prevent a likely second (2).
Bone Marrow transplants require adequate matches, the better the match the less potential complications. How can I donate/become a Bone marrow donor?
Simply register! To become a donor it only takes a small vial of blood or swab of cheek cells. Individuals wishing to register can:
- Call 1-888-236-6283 (1-888-2-DONATE)
- Create an account and receive a cheek swab kit with blood.ca (create username and password)
- Contact Kyshah Powell at: [email protected]
- Outside of North America visit here.
References
1. Mayo Clinic. (2014). Sickle Cell Anemia, Complications. Diseases and Conditions. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sickle-cell-anemia/basics/complications/con-20019348
2. John Hopkins Medicine. (2014). Sickle Cell Disease. Health Library. Retrieved from http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/hematology_and_blood_disorders/sickle_cell_disease_85,P00101/
