Well - Fall 2010 - (Page 5)

100 Years I UNC Health Care honors a century of sickle cell disease awareness n november 1910, James B. Herrick, MD, first described sickle-shaped red blood cells in a report published by the Archives of Internal Medicine. This understanding of what is now known as sickle cell disease allowed for the tremendous advancements in diagnosis and treatment in the last 100 years. The Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program at UNC Health Care honored the centennial anniversary of that discovery with an exhibit in the N.C. Children’s Hospital lobby in October. “Sickle Cell Disease: 100 Years, 100 Faces” was designed to bring awareness to a disease that is not widely understood and for which there is still no cure. The exhibit displayed a number of large panels with photographs of patients and facts about the disease. of Medical advancement African-Americans are among those who are most affected by sickle cell disease. The Shape of a Sickle damage from the abnormal function of the sickle cells and their inability to flow through small blood vessels correctly. Early diagnosis is essential in providing proper preventive treatment for some of the devastating complications of the disease. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder characterized by defective hemoglobin, which is a protein in red blood cells Effects of the Disease that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body. Sickle cell disease is caused by a genetic mutation and affects Normal red blood cells are round and flexible, so they can those of African and Caribbean descent, as well as those with easily move through the vessels in the body. Sickle red blood cells Middle Eastern, Indian and Mediterranean heritage. are stiff and sticky and form into the shape of a sickle, or the letThe UNC Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program focuses on ter “C,” when they lose their oxygen. These cells tend to cluster providing complete medical and psychosocial care. Education together and cannot easily move through the blood vessels. The about the disease is provided, along with support and advocacy. cluster causes a blockage and obstructs blood flow. These block- Because so many organs can be affected, medical staff members ages, and the inflammation associated with them, are what cause work closely with other hospital departments. They also provide the painful and damaging complications of sickle cell disease. 24-hour consultations by phone and support services to help Sickle cells risk being destroyed by the spleen, which helps patients and families cope with this chronic illness. filter the blood; because of their shape and stiffness, sickle cells Rupa Redding-Lallinger, MD, who has worked with the get stuck in this filter and are destroyed. The spleen also suf- Sickle Cell Program for many years, says, “It is a privilege to fers damage, and, without a normally functioning spleen, these be involved in the care of individuals and families living with individuals are more at risk for infections. sickle cell disease, and immensely rewardA decreased number of red blood cells ing to see the progress that has been made Want to circulating in the body causes a person with in recent years. But a great deal of work Know More? sickle cell disease to be chronically anemic. remains to be done—in research for a betAll of the major organs are affected by ter understanding of the disease, and in For more information about sickle cell disease: The liver, heart, kidneys, education so that the discoveries are put the UNC Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program, gallstone, eyes, bones and joints can suffer into practice.” call (800) 476-6876. www.unchealthcare.org 5 http://www.unchealthcare.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Well - Fall 2010

Well - Fall 2010
Contents
UNC Health Care News
Community
100 Years of Medical Advancement
Managing Diabetes for a Lifetime
Fixing His Failing Heart
Nutrition
Q&A
Calendar

Well - Fall 2010