House Call - various health issues addressed - Brief Article

Ebony, April, 2001

Expert Advice on Health and Fitness

`What's the latest news concerning a possible cure for sickle cell disease?'

SICKLE CELL DISEASE UPDATE

Q I have a 32-year-old friend who is a victim of sickle cell disease, and he has some very painful bouts that frequently force him to be hospitalized. At one time, there was a lot of conversation about the disease and the hopes surrounding a possible cure. But with all the attention focused on AIDS and other illnesses, there seems to be little talk about sickle cell disease. Is it still a big problem in the Black community, and what's the latest news concerning treatment and a possible cure? C.W., Atlanta

A African-Americans continue to be the primary group affected by sickle cell disease, a disorder that can victimize people of all ages, and researchers say it currently affects about 1 in every 375 African-American children. For years, people with the condition had to suffer the painful complications without much hope, but doctors say there are new treatment options that give sufferers better opportunity for a better quality of life and the possibility of a cure.

In sickle cell disease, doctors say the red blood cells contain an abnormal form of hemoglobin that reduces the amount of oxygen in the cells, causing them the become crescent- or sickle-shaped. The abnormal cells block and damage the smallest blood vessels in the spleen, kidneys, brain, bones and other organs, causing severe anemia, blocked blood flow and organ damage.

Presently, a bone marrow transplant is the only method of treatment that offers the possibility of a cure, researchers say. But because of the lack of donor matches, the procedure is not yet expected to replace other forms of treatment.

PREGNANCY AND PET-RELATED DANGERS

Q I have always been a pet lover, particularly when it comes to cats. I have two cats that have been a part of my family for years, but now that I'm pregnant, friends say I should not have such close contact with my pets. What kind of problems can they cause while I'm pregnant? L.T., Miami

A It has been proven that having pets, like your cats, may reduce stress and lower blood pressure, but there are health risks to you and your baby. While you're pregnant, you should not be the one who's handling the litter box. Outdoor cats can become infected with toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease, which means it can travel from animal to human and vice versa. Cats acquire by it by eating contaminated prey. Indoor cats get the disease from raw or undercooked meat. The disease travels to humans through contact with infected feces.

The danger exists when a pregnant woman becomes infected for the first time. There is a possibility that she could pass the infection to the fetus. The result, doctors say, is a greater risk of miscarriage and birth defects.

It is unusual for a mother to transmit the infection during her first trimester, when the risks are greatest, physicians say. Babies infected early on have the most severe symptoms, including mild to extreme vision problems, seizures, hearing loss and severe mental retardation.

ABSENCE OF COLD VACCINE

Q When I was growing up, I used to have colds all of the time--nothing severe, but they were always annoying. Now that I'm 26 years old, I don't get them as often, but I would just like to know why we don't have a vaccine for the common cold? I know that would benefit millions of people. W.P., Detroit

A It's understandable why you would wonder about the absence of an effective vaccine for the common cold when we have vaccines that prevent a variety of other infections--including the flu, mumps, measles, pneumonia, whooping cough and diphtheria. The difference between these conditions and the common cold is the fact that they are caused by a single virus, while there are at least 200 different cold viruses.

Much thought has been given to creating such a vaccine. But researchers say it wouldn't be feasible to produce so many different vaccines because you never know which of the viruses would make you sick.