Understanding Sickle Cell Disease & The Role of Blood Donations | Interview with Dr. Lawrence

Описание: In this important episode, Danny Parra sits down with Dr. Courtney Lawrence, Division Chief Medical Officer of the American Red Cross, to discuss sickle cell disease—what it is, how it affects the body, and how blood donations are critical in helping patients live longer, healthier lives.

Learn:
1. What sickle cell disease is, a chronic, inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells and hemoglobin
2. How hemoglobin normally carries oxygen and why hemoglobin in patients with sickle cell can’t perform efficiently when the person is under stress or sick
3. Symptoms of sickle cell disease include the red blood cells become rigid, sickle-shaped, and block blood flow to tissues
o In an adult without sickle cell disease red blood cells can live up 3–4 months
o For those with sickle cell disease red blood cells can only live up to 2–3 weeks, leading to lower hemoglobin levels
4. Symptoms and complications — including pain crises, anemia, and higher stroke risk in children
5. Who is affected:
o In the U.S., it is estimated that over 100,000 people have sickle cell disease. The majority of patients who have sickle cell disease are of   African descent.
6. The role of blood transfusions in treating sickle cell disease
o 90% of adults with sickle cell will need at least one transfusion in their lifetime
7. Parents can learn if their child is at risk by having sickle cell trait testing done for each parent.
o Testing is available during a Red Cross blood donation or at their local healthcare provider
8. What life with sickle cell disease looks like — and how with proper medical care and transfusion support, patients can live full, longer lives

Latest update:
Healthcare specialists who care for people with sickle cell disease (SCD) now recognize that playing sports can be very beneficial for physical health as well as emotional and social well-being. Because of this, most medical centers no longer automatically say “no” to any specific sport or hobby for all individuals with SCD.  However, it is still important for each person with SCD to talk with their healthcare provider before starting a sport. A person's level of risk can vary depending on things like previous and ongoing health complications and symptoms from sickle cell disease and treatments he or she is currently receiving.  Medical advice given on sports participation is very personalized, and the goal is to keep each patient safe by planning ahead and using preventive care, including things like good hydration, proper dress for the weather and activity, and adequate resting for recovery.

Key Topics Covered:
• What sickle cell disease is and how it’s inherited
• How sickle cell disease affects red blood cells
• Symptoms and long-term complications
• The lifesaving role of blood transfusions
• Sickle cell trait testing for parents and donors
• How blood donations support patients with sickle cell

Why It Matters
For patients living with sickle cell disease, blood transfusions can mean the difference between life-threatening complications and the chance to live a full life. Your donation helps ensure patients, especially children, get the treatment they need.

For more information about sickle cell trait testing visit https://redcrossblood.org/donate-bloo...
Join the fight against sickle cell disease with the American Red Cross, visit https://redcrossblood.org/donate-bloo... to find out how.

Be a lifeline: Schedule your next donation at https://RedCrossBlood.org or through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, https://redcrossblood.org/blood-donor.... Your donation could save the life of someone living with sickle cell disease.

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:28 What is sickle cell disease?
2:08 Is it common?
2:25 Managing sickle cell disease
3:08 Sickle cell trait testing
4:10 Life with sickle cell disease
4:59 Outro

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