Sickle cell anemia is a blood disorder in which red blood cells in the blood are structurally abnormal. Red blood cells in the body carry oxygen and supply it to all of the body. When these red blood cells are abnormal, they are unable to supply oxygen which can disturb different functions of the body. In this disease, red blood cells are shaped like of crescent moon which is why it is called sickle cell anemia.
The cost of Sickle cell anemia treatment in India ranges from ₹ 8,50,000 to ₹ 10,00,000. The chances of successful treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia are more than 95% in India. The high chances are due to the availability of advancements in diagnosis and medical treatment.
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.
- Blood transfusions : ₹ 6,000 - ₹ 24,000
- Bone marrow transplant : ₹ 6,80,000 - ₹ 8,88,000
- pain management-medications : ₹ 2,000 - ₹ 6,000
Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment Costs in Different Cities of India
- New Delhi ₹ 6,50,000 ₹ 8,80,000
- Chennai ₹ 6,00,000 ₹ 7,99,000
- Mumbai ₹ 5,99,000 ₹ 8,05,000
- Pune ₹ 6,10,000 ₹ 8,05,000
- Bangalore ₹ 6,60,000 ₹ 9,00,000
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.
03/14/2023
