World Sickle Cell Day 2021: Let's Shine the Light on Sickle Cell

World Sickle Cell Day is observed on June 19, globally, to enlighten the general public with the knowledge on Sickle Cell Disease, the most common genetic blood disorder.

Highlights:

World Sickle Cell Day is marked on 19th June each year
The motive of commemorating this day is to promote knowledge about sickle cell disease among the general public
The theme for World Sickle Cell Day2021 is "Shine the Light on Sickle Cell"

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of red blood cell disorders. World Sickle Cell Day is observed on June 19 globally. The main motive of commemorating this day is to promote knowledge about sickle cell disease among the general public.

Rare Patients With Sickle Cell Disease Live Nearly Twice National Average, Finds New Study
Patients with mildly symptomatic sickle cell disease (SCD) can exceed the U.S. median life expectancy of 47 years for patients with the disease.

‘On 19th June 2021, SiNERGe, in collaboration with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA), will be holding a 24-hour awareness campaign on the theme of "Shine the Light on Sickle Cell."’
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What is Sickle Cell Anemia, and Why Does it Matter?

Sickle Cell Disease occurs due to a genetic condition. The human Red Blood Cells (RBCs) appear as circular biconcave disks. They contain a red pigment called hemoglobin that serves as a carrier of oxygen to body tissues.

People get sickle cell disease by a mutation in genes related to the hemoglobin. The blood cells in their body contain a different type of hemoglobin called hemoglobin S. When this molecule is exposed to low oxygen concentrations, it crystallizes inside the RBCs. This makes the cells elongate and appear as a 'sickle.'

These 'sickle-shaped stiff RBCs fail to move freely around the body. As a result, the affected individuals experience multiple complications like,

Anemia
Episodes of pain
Stroke
Swelling of hands and feet
Frequent infections
Delayed growth or puberty
Vision problems
Bone damage

Treatment options for sickle cell disease include drugs to manage anemia, antibiotics, NSAIDs and disease-modifying agents like hydroxyurea (reduce the frequency of painful episodes and the need for blood transfusions and hospitalizations).

Currently, gene therapy and a blood or marrow transplant are also expected to provide promising outcomes in the management of Sickle Cell Disease.

How Does Acute Pain Crisis in Sickle Cell Disease Arise?
Steps leading to a sickle-cell disease complication that causes acute pain have been explained by MIT researchers.

History of World Sickle Cell Day

The United Nations General Assembly recognized sickle cell disease as "one of the world's foremost genetic diseases" on December 22, 2008. This announcement made its members spread awareness of the disease on June 19th every year in the name of "World Sickle Cell Disease."

Sickle Cell Cure – Genetic Engineering Shows The Way
Genetically modifying defective stem cells, by correcting the disease-causing mutation, and transplanting into the patient may offer hope of a sickle cell cure.

What's Unique in 2021?

The theme for World Sickle Cell Day 2021 is "Shine the Light on Sickle Cell." This 24-hour awareness campaign will be held by SiNERGe, collaborating with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA). Other activities of importance have also been planned by some organizations such as,

Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois (SCDAI) - Let's Bowl on World Sickle Cell Day
Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency - Roadmap to Sickle Cell Transition
Sickle Cell Foundation of Minnesota - World Sickle Cell Day Selfie Challenge
Martin Center Sickle Cell Initiative - 25th Annual Sickle Cell 5K Walk/Run Virtual Edition
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Michigan Chapter - Sickle Strong Sickle Cell Empowerment Circle

L-glutamine Approved for Sickle Cell Disease
L-glutamine has been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of sickle cell disease to prevent complications.

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) – Facts and Figures

Approximately 5% of the world’s population carries trait genes for hemoglobin disorders, mainly, sickle-cell disease
Over 300 000 babies with severe hemoglobin disorders are born each year
It is more common in African Americans (occurring in about 1 in 365 African American birth)
Breathing issues are very common in kids with sickle cell disease
More than 95% of newborns with SCD in US will live to be adults

References:

Symptoms of Sickle Cell - (https://www.sicklecellsociety.org/wscd/#didyouknow)
World Sickle Cell Day - (https://www.sicklecelldisease.org/get-involved/events/awareness-month-and-world-sickle-day/)
June 19, 2021 – Shine the Light on Sickle Cell! - (https://wepsicklecell.org/events/2021-shine-the-light-on-sickle-cell/)
Sickle cell anemia - (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sickle-cell-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355876)
What are the treatments for sickle cell disease (SCD)? - (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12100-sickle-cell-disease#management-and-treatment)
9 Things You Should Know About Sickle Cell Disease - (https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2018/09/9-things-you-should-know-about-sickle-cell-disease)

Source-Medindia