Sickle Cell: Prevention remains most effective management –Physician

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan

Dr Folajimi Senjobi, a Family Physician at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, says prevention remains the most effective form of sickle cell disease management.

Senjobi, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Ibadan, as the world marks Sickle Cell Day.

The family physician said that the general advocacy for prevention of the disease was for people with genotype AS, AC, SC, or SS to get married to and or procreate with partners with genotype AA.

“If the problem is taken care of at the primary levels, then, fewer incidences of sickle cell diseases will occur.

“We need to pay attention to the following: regulation compliance with care, risk management for the disease, health crises management in our facilities.

“Prevention remains the most effective form of the disease management. Know your genotype and that of your partner before you agree to get married,” Senjobi said.

He noted that sickle cell disease continue to be a ‘Big Bull’ yet often overlooked by global health concern.

Senjobi said that the disease was affecting millions of people worldwide, especially in the malaria endemic regions of the world.

According to him, the day is observed annually to raise awareness about this condition to mitigate against it.

Senjobi explained that Sickle cell disease is a genetically acquired blood disorder caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin `A’ gene, leading to the production of abnormal blood hemoglobin ‘S’.

This, he added, resulted in rigidity of the red blood cells that could obstruct blood flow.

“Symptoms include severe pain episodes (sickle cell crises), low blood levels, fatigue, swelling in the hands and feet, frequent and recurring infections, delayed wound healing and delayed growth in children.

“Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications, including pain relief medications, blood transfusions, and hydroxyurea to reduce crises.

“In severe cases, a bone marrow transplant may offer a cure,” he said. (NAN)