What problems can sickle cell anemia cause?
• Delayed (slower than normal) growth and sexual development. • Gallbladder stones. • Infections. • Spleen, kidney, liver, or lung damage. • Stroke. How is sickle cell anemia diagnosed? Sickle cell anemia may be diagnosed by the following: • Amniocentesis: This procedure removes a sample of the fluid that is around a baby while his is still inside the expectant mother’s uterus (womb). The fluid is called amniotic fluid. The sample will be sent to a lab to check for sickling of red blood cells. • Hemoglobin electrophoresis: This blood test uses an electrical current to find and measure different types of hemoglobin in the blood. Caregivers will learn if your child has an abnormal hemoglobin S (HbS). How is sickle cell anemia treated? Your child may have any of the following, depending upon his signs and symptoms: • Blood transfusion: This is donated whole blood, or parts of blood your child may get through an IV. You may be worried that your child will get AIDS, hepatitis, or West Nile
