Sickle Cell Anaemia

Author: 

Dr. Veena Deo

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a chronic condition primarily affecting individuals of African descent who are homozygous for the gene controlling hemoglobin-S. It is characterized by the destruction of red blood cells and episodic blocking of blood vessels due to the adherence of sickle cells to the vascular endothelium, leading to serious complications.

Epidemiology:

• In tropical Africa, the heterozygote frequency is over 20%.
• In black American populations, sickle cell trait has a frequency of 8%.

Pathogenesis:

• Hemoglobin-S polymerizes when oxygenated, forming pseudocrystalline structures called 'tactoids', which distort the red cell membrane, resulting in characteristic sickle-shaped cells.
• The distortion may become permanent, leading to 'irreversibly sickled' red cells. The concentration of sickle cell hemoglobin in the cell influences tactoid formation.

Symptoms:

• Frequent infections, anemia, swollen hands and feet, delayed puberty, paleness, fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, leg ulcers, increased heart rate.
• Precipitated by hypoxia, acidosis, dehydration, and infection.
• Sickle cells shorten survival and plug vessels in the microcirculation, leading to acute syndromes called 'crises' and chronic organ damage.

General Information:

• Patients have compensated for anaemia, usually around 60-80 g/L.
• Vaccination against pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenza B, and Hepatitis B is recommended.
• In Africa, few children with sickle cell anaemia survive to adulthood without medical attention. Even with standard care, approximately 15% die by age 20 and 50% by age 40.

Herbs to Treat Sickle Cell Anaemia:

• Herbs rich in iron phosphate should be used.
• Natural sources of iron include parsley, spinach, seaweed, kale, and spirulina.
• Moderate iron sources include pumpkin, strawberries, and Oregon grapes.

Natural Home Remedies:

• Barley grass and wheat grass are advisable.
• A combination of antioxidant herbs like Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) and Emblica officinalis (Indian gooseberry) is recommended.
• Omega-3 fatty acid supplements with fish oil are beneficial.
• Stay hydrated with an adequate intake of fluids.
• Folic acid supplements are advisable.
• Avoid crowded places to reduce infection risk.
• Henna may decrease the level of sickle-shaped cells.
• Ensure access to oxygen during air travel.
• Consume one clove of garlic daily.
• A combination of Tulsi (Basil) and Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is beneficial.
• Spirulina is rich in iron and other nutrients but consult a doctor before consumption.

Note:

Consult an Ayurvedic physician for guidance on the quantity of ingredients in natural home remedies before use.

Reference:

Treatment of Sickle Cell Disorders by Ayurvedic Medicine. Hemanta Kumar Panigrahi, Hemant Kushwa, Shyam Sunder Sharma, PMCID: PMC3331087