Michigan Raising Awareness of Sickle Cell Disease, Sickle Cell Trait

“Treatment advances for sickle cell disease have prevented most of the complications that were life threatening in childhood just a few decades ago,” said Dr. Matthew Davis, chief medical executive of the MDCH. “While we have taken significant strides to improve the lives of those affected by sickle cell disease, our work in the healthcare and public health communities must continue and include further advances to support individuals with sickle cell disease.”

Statewide, approximately 2,800 Michigan residents suffer from sickle cell disease and approximately 140,000 carry the sickle cell trait. Children have a one in four chance of being born with the disease when both parents have the trait. Although the disease is most prevalent in African Americans, it also occurs in other ethnic groups including individuals of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Central and South American, and Asian heritage.

Sickle cell disease, often called “sickle cell anemia,” is the most commonly inherited blood disorder in the United States. The condition causes red blood cells to form an abnormal crescent shape making them rigid and sticky, which leads to clogged or closed blood vessels. Persons living with sickle cell disease have life-long complications such as stroke, painful enlargement of the spleen caused by trapping of red blood cells, shortness of breath, pulmonary embolism, vision loss and severe pain episodes known as “crises.”

A few decades ago, children with sickle cell disease were at risk of overwhelming infection and damage to the spleen and lungs. More recent advances include: daily penicillin to prevent infections starting at 4 months through the age of 5; the drug hydroxyurea taken daily to reduce how often painful sickle cell crises and acute chest syndrome occur; and use of blood transfusions for the prevention of stroke. These treatments now allow many people with sickle cell disease to live longer, healthier lives.

The Sickle Cell Disease of Association of America, Michigan Chapter (SCDAA-MI) is hosting a Sickle Cell Awareness & Myth Dispelling Walk at the Detroit Zoo on September 27 at 9 a.m. to raise awareness about the issue. Registration includes zoo admission and an event t-shirt. Residents can register for the event online by visiting http://www.scdaami.org/. For more information about sickle cell disease and awareness events in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/sicklecell.

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