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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : April 15, 2015 7:53 PM IST
The Indian Prime Minister recently discussed cooperation with Japan to combat sickle cell anaemia, a clinical disease which is prevalent in several parts of India. The Prime Minister is on a five-day visit to Japan. An external affairs ministry spokesman said, 'Modi discussed about the latest clinical interventions for treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia with Shinya Yamanaka, a Professor and stem cell pioneer. (Read: Indian scientists craft portable blood-disorder detection kit)
The spokesman said that Sickle cell Anemia is quite common in India, especially in the regions where malaria is rampant. This disease causes red blood cells to sickle thereby decreasing the cell's flexibility which results in decreased supply of oxygen to the body leading to various life-threatening health complications.
What is Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA)?
Sickle cell anaemia, a genetic defect causes the red blood cells to become sickle or crescent-shaped. The RBCs are fragile and break down rapidly and die prematurely, thereby causing anemia and depleting the body cells of adequate oxygen. Delayed growth and development in children, susceptibility to infection, joint pain, etc. may be seen in sickle cell anemia.
To treat underlying causes of other types of anemia specific treatment may be recommended. Children born with sickle-cell disease may need to take folic acid daily for life. Since they are prone to early childhood diseases they may also be prescribed antibiotics during the early years. Painkillers, blood transfusion and bone marrow transplant may be recommended for sickle cell anemia. (Read: Anemia causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment)
With Inputs from IANS
Image Source: Getty Images
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