Unfortunately, frequent transfusions can make finding compatible blood types more difficult when patients develop an immune response against blood from donors that is not closely matched to the recipient. These antibodies can lead to severe complications. One in 3 African American blood donors are a match for people with sickle cell disease. About Sickle Cell Disease Sickle cell trait is inherited, and many individuals are not aware that they carry this trait. Sickle cell trait is not sickle cell disease and it can never become sickle cell disease. However, health experts recommend that individuals learn their sickle cell trait status and consult their medical provider on what it means for them. It is estimated that about 1 in 13 Black or African American babies in the U.S. is born with sickle cell trait, which means they have inherited the sickle cell gene from one of their parents. Individuals with sickle cell trait are eligible to donate blood. Donations from individuals without the trait may be able to help a patient facing a sickle cell crisis. • Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disease in the U.S., most commonly affecting individuals of African descent. • The disease causes red blood cells to be hard and crescent-shaped instead of soft and round, making it difficult for blood to flow smoothly and carry oxygen throughout the body. • Blood transfusions help relieve pain during a crisis and can prevent other complications by increasing the number of healthy red blood cells in the body. Sickle Cell Disease vs. Sickle Cell Trait • People with one sickle gene and one normal gene have sickle cell trait. • Sickle cell trait is inherited, and many individuals are not aware that they carry this trait.
11 The Acumen
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