Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Jooda, L.
THE EFFECTS OF SICKLE CELL ANEMIA ON VASCULAR ENDOTHELIUM AND CURRENT THERAPEUTICAL OPTIONS: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Graz Medical University; 2017. pp. 64
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Bondarenko Oleksandr
- Goswami Nandu
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- Abstract:
- Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a hereditary disease. Pathologically, this sickle cell haemoglobin is known to be prone to polymerisation, producing deformable red blood cells, and resulting in sickling. It is mostly associated with vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) and haemolytic anemia which can later result in chronic multi-organ system disease as well as very high morbidity and early mortality if not treated on time. This diploma thesis explored sickle cell anemia, and then discussed current literature showing factors that might contribute to vaso-occlusion. This diploma thesis carried out an extensive update of the current literature related to sickle cell anemia, paying particular attention to vascular endothelium. Since vascular endothelium (dys) function changes could lead to arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, heart attack or even stroke, these aspects were examined in detail. PubMed was used as the primary database where literature that were appropriate to this topic were retrieved. Articles written in English, published between 1979 and 2017 were explored. Abstracts as well as full texts were combined as primary literature. Web of science database and also list of References were also utilised in finding articles that were important to the area of search. Google was used for the searching of figures and specific tables related to the theme of this diploma thesis. Some textbooks, which covered sickle cell anemia, were used as secondary literature. Taking into consideration refined criteria that were specific for this diploma thesis, 21 publications were found to be directly relevant. These were then categorised into 3 sub-sections: Studies showing factors that might contribute to vaso-occlusion via vascular interactions in adults, in children and the current therapeutical options needed to treat this disease. This work is important to me personally because apart from being a Nigerian, I also have relatives who are also victims of this disease. It is my hope that the findings of this diploma thesis will alleviate the sufferings of millions of people who are currently affected by this scourge.