The genetic counseling has the purpose of guiding people through a conscientious and balanced decision making process regarding
procreation
, helping them to understand how the hereditary succession can contribute for the occurrence or risk of recurrence of genetic illnesses, as it is the case of the sickle cell anemia.
What is the most common treatment for sickle cell anemia?
Stem cell or bone marrow transplants
are the only cure for sickle cell disease, but they're not done very often because of the significant risks involved.
What is medical genetic counseling?
What is Genetic Counseling? Genetic counseling
gives you information about how genetic conditions might affect you or your family
. The genetic counselor or other healthcare professional will collect your personal and family health history.
Is there a cure coming soon for sickle cell anemia?
Summary: A new article reports
two patients appear to have been cured of beta thalassemia
and sickle cell disease after their own genes were edited with CRISPR-Cas9 technology. The two researchers who invented this technology received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020.
Why would a patient with sickle cell crisis want to consider genetic counseling to help with decisions about having children?
“Genetic counseling services can
determine if your child is at risk for genetic disorders and provide support along the way and help
you prepare for the birth of a child with special needs.” Genetic counselors help people understand how birth defects, genes and medical conditions run in families.
What should sickle cell patients avoid?
avoid very strenuous exercise
– people with sickle cell disease should be active, but intense activities that cause you to become seriously out of breath are best avoided. avoid alcohol and smoking – alcohol can cause you to become dehydrated and smoking can trigger a serious lung condition called acute chest syndrome.
Can 2 people with sickle cell trait have a baby?
Go to the Prenatal Testing page for more details. If both parents have sickle cell trait (HbAS) there
is a one in four
(25%) chance that any given child could be born with sickle cell anaemia. There is also a one in four chance that any given child could be completely unaffected.
Does sickle cell get worse with age?
SCD is a
disease that worsens over time
. Treatments are available that can prevent complications and lengthen the lives of those who have this condition.
What test confirms sickle cell anemia?
A blood test
can check for the defective form of hemoglobin that underlies sickle cell anemia. In the United States, this blood test is part of routine newborn screening. But older children and adults can be tested, too.
What is the life expectancy of sickle cell anemia?
With a national median life expectancy of
42–47 years
, people with sickle cell disease (SCD) face many challenges, including severe pain episodes, stroke, and organ damage.
What are the disadvantages of taking a genetic test?
- Testing may increase your stress and anxiety.
- Results in some cases may return inconclusive or uncertain.
- Negative impact on family and personal relationships.
- You might not be eligible if you do not fit certain criteria required for testing.
How much does genetic counseling cost?
Genetic counseling without testing cost on
average $213
, whereas counseling, testing, and disclosure of results totaled $2057. A brief physician-based counseling instead of genetic counselor-based counseling would produce only small reductions in total costs.
What is included in genetic counseling?
- checking family medical history and medical records.
- ordering genetic tests.
- evaluating the results of these tests and records.
- helping parents understand and reach decisions about what to do next.
What vitamins help sickle cell anemia?
Supplementing with
vitamin C
may help correct a deficiency. Antioxidant nutrients protect the body's cells from oxygen-related damage. Many studies show that sickle cell anemia patients tend to have low blood levels of antioxidants, including carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C, despite adequate intake.
What foods are good for sickle cell patients?
Eat from a
rainbow of fruits and vegetables
and pair them with grains, and proteins (such as eggs, fish, chicken, meats, beans or tofu and nuts or seeds). Get plenty of calcium-rich foods and beverages such as milk, yogurt, and cheese.
What blood type carries sickle cell?
It is an inherited condition in which both
hemoglobin A and S
are produced in the red blood cells, always more A than S. Individuals with sickle cell trait are generally healthy.
