Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment in India

Types & procedure of Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment in India

Some of the types of treatment for the management of sickle cell anemia are as follows:

• Pain Management
• Hydroxyurea
• Blood Transfusions
• Bone Marrow Transplant
• Gene Therapy
• Managing Complications

Pain Management

Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia often experience the symptoms of severe pain that requires effective pain management and care. In supportive care, some of the medications are used for pain relief and to alleviate discomfort. For more severe pain cases, strong painkillers may be used.

Hydroxyurea

There is a new treatment for sickle cell anemia. These medications can stimulate the production of fetal hemoglobin which is a component of red blood cells that help to carry oxygen. These medicines are also very helpful in managing the symptoms of severe pain. It can be used to treat patients with genetic factors of sickle cell anemia and improve their quality of life.

Blood Transfusions

Another treatment option for Sickle Cell Anemia management involves the use of blood transfusions. By infusing healthy red blood cells into the patient's bloodstream, this approach serves to decrease the risk of complications and effectively manage sickle cell anemia.

Bone Marrow Transplant

In advanced medical interventions, Bone Marrow Transplantation is a definite cure for Sickle Cell Anemia. In this treatment, damaged bone marrow is replaced with healthy bone marrow which improves the production of normal red blood cells. However, this treatment has its risks and complications. 

Managing Complications

Apart from the treatment for sickle cell anemia, it is also important to manage the complications associated with sickle cell anemia. This may involve the management of infections, treatment to prevent organ damage, and strategies to reduce the risk of strokes.

Cost & Diagnosis of Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment in India

Some of the diagnostic tests for sickle cell anemia are as follows:

Newborn Screening

This test is performed on newborn babies to check for any abnormality of red blood cells. In this procedure, a blood sample is collected from the newborn and is examined under laboratory conditions to check for any abnormality in the structure of red blood cells.

Confirmation Tests

If sickle cell anemia is suspected in a newborn baby, further tests are performed to confirm the diagnosis of sickle cell anemia. These may involve special blood tests which include hemoglobin electrophoresis or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). These tests can identify abnormal hemoglobin.

Prenatal Testing

This condition is performed during pregnancy to check for any abnormality in the genes of the fetus. The test is performed when both parents carry an abnormal gene that can lead to a higher possibility of developing the disease in the baby.

Symptom Evaluation

Sometimes, sickle cell anemia is not diagnosed at the time of birth. However, the doctors suspect sickle cell anemia due to the symptoms of severe pain and jaundice.  A thorough medical history and physical examination are important in such cases.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing can be performed if there is uncertainty about the diagnosis of a patient with Sickle Cell Anemia. In this test, the specific genetic mutations are examined that are responsible for the condition.

Cost of Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment in India

The cost of Sickle cell anemia treatment in India ranges from ₹ 8,50,000 to ₹ 10,00,000. The cost can vary according to the type of treatment chosen for the management of sickle cell anemia. The cost can also vary according to the availability of blood to be transfused or suitable bone marrow donor.

Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment Costs in Different Cities of India

Symptoms & Risk Factors of Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment in India

Some of the symptoms and complications associated with sickle cell anemia are as follows:

• Pain Crises
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Jaundice
• Swelling of Hands and Feet
• Delayed Growth in Children
• Stroke
• Shortness of Breath
• Dizziness
• Chest Pain
• Rapid Heart Rate
• Frequent Infections
• Abdominal Pain
• Paleness of Skin
• Organ Damage e.g., Kidney, Liver.
• Infections
• Acute Chest Syndrome
• Vision Problems
• Leg Ulcers
• Gallstones

Risk Factors of Sickle Cell Anemia

Some of the risk factors that are associated with sickle cell anemia are as follows:

Genetic Inheritance

The most common risk factor of sickle cell anemia is genetic factors of hemoglobin abnormality which transfers from parents to children. Most newborn babies have abnormal genes that cause sickle cell anemia.

Family History

There is a positive correlation between family history and the development of sickle cell anemia.

Ethnic Background

Certain ethnic groups are more prone to develop Sickle Cell Anemia. It is more common among individuals of Africa, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and South Asian citizens.

Parental Carriers

If both parents have the abnormal gene for sickle cell anemia, the child is at more risk of developing sickle cell anemia.