Question

What are some pros and cons of the treatments used for each of the sickle cell anemia patients investigated in this activity.

Answer 1

Sickle cell anemia is a disease commonly found in patients who are from African descents. It is a condition where a mutated form of hemoglobin distorts the red blood cells. Though a lot of treatments were suggested to cure the disease, scientists are yet to find the right cure for it.

So far, bone marrow transplant is the only potential cure for sickle cell anemia and this is very costly. Patients who have this disease often result to just taking medications to relieve its symptoms and prevent other complications.

Treatments like antibiotics, pain-relieving medications, vaccinations, blood transfusions, and stem cell transplant are prescribed by doctors to alleviate further symptoms that the disease brings; but these medications do not guarantee a clear-cut solution to the problem.