Scientist|Doctor - Sickle Cell Disease from Tanzania Biomedical Science in Africa Health. Education. #Sicklecell Helpline 0769680688 Social media

The mission of the Sickle International Family Coalition is to connect families affected by Sickle Cell Disease and Sickle Cell Trait worldwide; to provide a comprehensive approach, and to ensure quality access to health care, programs and services. Social media

Your child has sickle cell anemia. This is a condition passed down through genes. It affects the red blood cells (RBCs), the cells that carry oxygen. Your child will see a pediatric hematologist for treatment. This healthcare provider specializes in blood disorders (hematology). The goal is to help your child manage symptoms and prevent problems. This sheet tells you about treatments your child may get. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions because sickle cell disease can cause serious issues. You should be in contact with your healthcare provider for any concerns. Abstract source

Sickle cell disease (SCD), a type of anemia (shortage of red blood cells), is characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells. Sickle cells (named for the sickle, or oblong, slender shape of the malformed blood cells) have decreased flexibility, meaning they break easily. This results in a number of life-long complications. PH is an increasingly recognized complication of SCD. Studies show that approximately 30% of screened adult patients with SCD develop mild PH in adulthood. In 10% of patients, the PH is more severe. Recent autopsy studies also suggest that up to 75% of sickle cell patients show changes in the lung tissue at the time of death, indicating the existence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). One possible reason sickle cell patients seem to be at risk for developing PH is that increased breakdown of red blood cells within the blood vessels causes inflammation and a decrease of nitric oxide (a substance that causes relaxation of the blood vessels). This causes constriction of the small arteries of the lungs which may lead to PH. Abstract source

Dr. Pierrette Mimi Poinsett is a physician who is best described as one who is both passionate and compassionate. She has 19 years of clinical experience as a general pediatrician, a medical degree from University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. Though she is not currently in clinical practice, Dr. Poinsett is a leader in patient advocacy, targeting families with children, adolescents, and young adults with special mental health, behavioral, and learning needs, and helps those families navigate between medical, mental health, school, and social programs. Dr. Poinsett has also served as medical consultant for programs in early child mental health promotion, children and teens with developmental disabilities, learning disorders, and behavioral disorders. Her primary focus and passion is medical consulting, writing, and advocacy as a health and STEM journalist. Since 2011, Dr. Poinsett has also devoted much of her time to serving followers on her many physician networks, her followers on Twitter, and users on the HealthTap network, where she is honored as a ClubMD Member, Scholar, member of the Editorial Board, and a Doctor Mom. Online profile