Bitesize Education: The changing face of Sickle Cell Disease within the East Midlands

Sickle Cell Disease numbers within the East Midlands are rapidly increasing due to immigration migration into and around the UK. Areas of low prevalence are changing.

Sickle Cell Disease is the most common recessive genetic condition in the UK. It is predominately West African and Caribbean origin but is also present in other ethnicities. Red blood cells carry haemoglobin, which is the protein responsible for taking oxygen around the body. There are loads of different kinds of haemoglobin. Sickle gene changes the function of the haemoglobin disabling its ability to carry oxygen and thereby changing its shape, often referred to as the ‘sickle’ shape. These get stuck in vessels and are the cause for extreme pain, splenic sequestration and chest crises to mention a few. In this country it can be managed through education and there is a medication, hydroxycarbamide which can help reduce symptoms.

These patients will require a multi agency approach. Please join us to explore the care needs for these patients.