Sickle Cell Anemia: Symptoms and Effects

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Questions and Answers

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder that primarily affects the ______ of red blood cells.

shape

In sickle cell anemia, the blockage of blood flow by sickle-shaped cells can result in pain and damage to organs such as the liver, heart, and ______.

kidneys

A common symptom of anemia is ______, which results from low oxygen levels in the body.

fatigue

Sickle cell anemia is classified as an autosomal ______ genetic disorder.

<p>recessive</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Brazil, sickle cell anemia is more common in the areas of Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and São ______.

<p>Paulo</p> Signup and view all the answers

Individuals with sickle cell trait, who carry one gene for sickle cell anemia, are protected from ______.

<p>malaria</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sickle cell anemia leads to the polymerization of abnormal ______, distorting the red blood cell shape.

<p>hemoglobin</p> Signup and view all the answers

The lack of enough red blood cells in the body is a condition known as ______.

<p>anemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the genetic inheritance of sickle cell anemia, individuals who carry only one affected gene are referred to as ______.

<p>carriers</p> Signup and view all the answers

The primary cause of anemia is a condition of low ______ levels within the body.

<p>oxygen</p> Signup and view all the answers

A symptom of sickle cell anemia is recurring episodes of intense ______ throughout the body, especially in the chest, arms, and legs.

<p>pain</p> Signup and view all the answers

The altered shape of red blood cells in sickle cell anemia can impede blood flow, causing damage in the liver, heart, eyes, and ______.

<p>bones</p> Signup and view all the answers

People with sickle cell anemia often face a heightened ______ of infection because of spleen damage.

<p>risk</p> Signup and view all the answers

To inherit sickle cell anemia, a child must inherit the affected gene from ______ parents.

<p>both</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Brazil, the sickle cell trait is more common among Afro-______.

<p>Brazilians</p> Signup and view all the answers

One advantage for carriers of sickle cell anemia is that they have lower ______ counts.

<p>parasite</p> Signup and view all the answers

The presence of the sickle cell allele provides a degree of protection against ______, prevalent in certain regions.

<p>malaria</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sickle cell anemia is marked by a defect in ______ within red blood cells, causing them to assume an abnormal shape.

<p>hemoglobin</p> Signup and view all the answers

Due to the polymerization of hemoglobin, the ______ sickle cells block blood flow.

<p>sticky</p> Signup and view all the answers

The sickled cells lead to damage in the eyes and ______.

<p>joints</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic blood disorder where red blood cells become sickle-shaped, blocking blood flow and causing pain and organ damage.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells, leading to low oxygen levels in the body, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and pale skin.

Pain Crises

A set of painful episodes that occur when sickle-shaped red blood cells block blood flow to organs and tissues.

Inheritance Pattern of Sickle Cell Anemia

The disease is autosomal recessive, meaning both parents must pass on the affected gene for a child to express the full disease.

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Sickle Cell Anemia Carriers

Carrying only one copy of the affected gene, individuals may experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

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Prevalence of Sickle Cell Anemia in Brazil

1 in 1,000 Brazilians have sickle cell anemia. It is more common in areas such as Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo

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Advantage of Sickle Cell Anemia Trait

Individuals with sickle cell trait have a reduced risk of contracting malaria.

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Study Notes

Sickle Cell Anemia Overview

  • Genetic blood disorder alters red blood cell shape
  • Sickle-shaped cells obstruct blood flow and can cause pain in the chest, arms, and legs
  • Can damage the liver, heart, kidneys, gallbladder, eyes, bones, and joints
  • Results in anemia, fatigue, and heightened infection risk
  • Prevalent in people of African descent and Brazilians

What is Anemia

  • Condition with insufficient red blood cells in the body
  • Results in reduced oxygen levels
  • Causes fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and pale skin
  • Typically caused by blood loss, iron deficiency, or genetic disorders like sickle cell anemia

Disease Effects on Humans

  • Can cause pain crises
  • Causes fatigue or anemia
  • Can cause increased infections
  • Can cause organ damage

Genetic Inheritance

  • Autosomal recessive, requiring both parents to pass on the gene
  • Carriers with one gene may have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all

Commonness in Brazil

  • Affects 1 in 1,000 Brazilians
  • 1 in 17 Afro-Brazilians carry the trait
  • Most common in Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo

Advantages of Sickle Cell Anemia

  • Can protect against malaria (parasite-caused disease)
  • There is a lower likelihood of getting the disease
  • Lower parasite counts occur
  • Lower mortality rate

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