The Importance of Genotype Compatibility.

The issue of having an aligning genotype is becoming more evident since we have innocent children who have been put through immense torture as a result of their acquired genotype. I am writing this post today because I know that regardless of the common sad ending stories shared amongst people, there are still others who jeopardize the sound life of their kids in the name of love even with the numerous cases of child death because of the sickle cell anemia condition.
I was triggered to write this post today, after hearing about the death of a one-time neighbor's child, the couple got married on the basis of love, and even when they were very much aware of the risk linked with their genotype, they were hopeful and praying that their first two children will not come with the SS genotype and with this, they will not have more than two kids. Unfortunately for them, their first child came with the SS genotype, and the drama associated with the health of this first child didn't even give them the chance to make a second baby. After going to the hospital for years and spending lots of money and energy, the child finally passed on in the early hours of this week and it was just very heartbreaking to hear the news.

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What does it mean to have sickle cell anemia?

There are several inheritable disorders, sickle cell anemia belongs to one of the groups of those disorders, it is known as ''sickle cell disease''. Sickle cell disease is a type of disease that affects the shape of the red blood cell, bear in mind that, the red blood cell is responsible for transporting oxygen to the other parts of the body. Red blood cells are normally flexible and round in structure, their structure aids their flexibility all through the blood vessels, but the case is different for red blood cells of sickle cell patients, the red blood cells have a rigid and sticky structure, this shape will slow down or block the flow of blood in the body.

The sad reality about this condition is that there is no cure for a lot of people who have sickle cell anemia, the available treatment can help relieve pain and prevent further complications related to the disease.

The symptoms of sickle cell anemia begin to come up when the child gets to 6 months, although this is not usually the situation for every child as conditions vary from one person to another. Some of the signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia are;

Seasons of pain:The seasons of pain referred to as pain crises, is one of the very first ways to identify someone with sickle cell anemia. The pain comes as a result of the red blood cell present in its sickle shape, flowing through the tiny blood vessel and straight into the chest, joint, and even the abdomen. The pain is not only associated with children but it happens to adults as well. Joint damage, ulcers, and even chronic pain are associated with people with sickle cell anemia.

Regular infections: The presence of sickle cell can damage the speel, with a damaged spleen, there is increased vulnerability to infections. Children who have sickle cell anemia usually take vaccines and antibiotics in order to prevent the possibility of certain life-threatening infections like pneumonia.

Problems with vision: There are tiny blood vessels responsible for supplying the eyes, these blood vessels can get plugged with sickle cells, therefore damaging the retina, the retina is that portion of the eye that processes virtual images and it is affected by sickle cell, it will result in vision problem.

Swelling of the feet and the hands: The shape of red blood cells in sickle cell patients results in the blocking of blood circulation around the feet and the hands, leading to swelling.

Delayed growth: Red blood cell is responsible for providing the body with the nutrient and oxygen required for growth. When there is a shortage of healthy red blood cells, it could lead to slow growth amongst children and infants. 1

Other symptoms of anemia include; dizziness, difficulty breathing, irritability, a very fast heart rate, a pale skin color, slow growth, and delayed puberty.

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A sickle cell situation can get really complicated;

Anemia:Red blood cells usually live for about 120 days before they require replacement, but for sickle cell patients, it requires 10-20 days before replacement happens, when there is not enough red blood cell transported through the body, there is a lack of oxygen which can in turn cause fatigue.

Blood clots: Sickle cell situation makes it difficult for blood to clot, this increases the possibility of developing a blood clots in the deep veins, which is usually the leg, pelvis, arm, and thigh region. Sometimes, the symptoms may not even be experienced but the most obvious symptoms and signs of DVT are; redness of the skin, pain and tenderness, and swelling.

Fever: Fever is usually the first sign of an infection or other sickle cell disease complication. In sickle cell patients, fever may be a sign of infection, an example is acute chest syndrome which could even be a life-threatening disease.

Avascular Necrosis: When the bone fails to get sufficient oxygen, the bone tissue begins to die, this complicated case of bone death is avascular necrosis(AVN). With the blood getting into the bone being insufficient, the joint then gets narrowed and the bone collapses, AVN can actually affect either a single or a multiple joint types.

Damaged organ: Those with sickle cell condition stand a higher chance of having a damaged organ, they could have problems with their heart, kidney, and lungs amongst others, and this is is as a result of insufficient blood and oxygen getting into the organs. 2

Although, there is no sure way to prevent crises from occurring when you have sickle cell anemia, doing these things will certainly help you reduce the possibility of having a crisis.

• Consume lots of water.

• Reduce alcohol consumption.

• Avoid smoking.

• Manage your stress appropriately.

• Avoid swimming when the water is really cold.

• Put on warm clothes when there is cold or you are in a building with a functional air conditioner.

• Avoid stress.

• Carry out exercise, but do not push too hard, and try to consume as much water as you can.

• Try to manage other types of health issues you have appropriately.

• Ensure to take your vaccines and medications as many times as instructed by medical experts.

• Regularly wash your hands. 3

Genotype Compactibility.

Blood genotype indicates the type of haemoglobin found in the red blood cell, the common blood genotypes are; AA, AS, AC, SC,CC and SS. The first time I found out that there are other types of genotype apart from AA, AS and SS, it came to me as a complete shock.

For the sake of reproduction, the compination of these genotypes are either compatible or not;

AA and AA are compatible.
AA and AS are compatible.
AA and SS are not compatible.
AA and AC are compatible.

AS and AS are not compatible.
AS and AC are not compatible.
As and SS are not compatible.
AS and SC are not compatible.
SS an SS are not compatible.
SC and SS are not compatible.

AC is produced as a result of the protein substitution in the gene of the red blood cell. AC is an abnrmal haemoglobin and it is normal, showing no sign of disease whatsoever.

SC is also an abnormal haemoglobin genotype that causes recurrent anaemia.

CC is a homozygous normal haemoglobin, children born with CC genotype have hemoglobin C disease. The heamoglobin C disease produces mild to moderate anemia, jaundice, enlarged spleen, and gallstones. 4

Conclusion

It is really important to go for a blood test before making the decision to reproduce, enough of having innocent children go through pain for the mistake of their parents. Even if you have made the mistake of getting together already and you do not want to break up, there are alternatives to making babies without natural conception.

For further studies.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sickle-cell-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355876

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/complications.html

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/sickle-cell-crisis

https://lifecentremedicals.com/blog/blood-group-and-genotype-compatibility

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Hi, I am Tobi a writer, speaker, relationship blogger, and lover of good music. I love making friends and learning from people. Want to hear me speak on relationships and general life issues, you can find my podcast channel Here and I also have a youtube channel where you can listen and watch any episode for free, do not forget to subscribe and share with friends. I sincerely appreciate every love I get from members of the community and do well to keep them coming.