The Crescent Moon Disease: Sickle Cell
There are several …show more content…
The average lifespan for Sickle cell anemia is 42 for males and 48 for females. The average lifespan for Sickle cell- hemoglobin C is 60 for males and 68 for females. The reason Sickle Cell can reduce one’s lifespan is because normal red blood cells have a 120 day lifespan but with Sickle cell, the crescent shaped cells can only live for no more than 20 days, which can cause them to get stuck in the blood vessels, which blocks the blood flow. With less blood flow throughout one’s body, the organs are not getting the necessary oxygen that they need. Not only will organs be damaged but so will one’s muscles and …show more content…
When Hydroxyurea is taken daily, it reduces the frequency of painful crisis and may reduce the need for blood transfusions for Sickle Cell patients. Hydroxyurea works by stimulating production of fetal hemoglobin, which is the type of hemoglobin found in newborns that help prevent formation of Sickle cells. Although this medicine sounds like good thing for Sickle Cell patients, there are some concerns that with long term use, it will increase infections. There are also some concerns that it can cause tumors or leukemia in certain