Can sickle cell anemia occur in newborns even after prenatal tests?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query, and I can understand your concern.

Patients suffering from sickle cell disease might be asymptomatic and can be diagnosed only if a blood test is carried out. The baby having sickle cell anemia suggests that his mother and father both have sickle cell trait, hence sickle cell anemia occurred in the child. Sickle cell anemia is a hemoglobinopathy condition inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion.

If both parents have sickle cell traits, then a 25 percent chance of sickle cell anemia. Another possibility could be if one partner has sickle cell disease and another is a carrier, then there is a 50 percent chance of developing sickle cell anemia in a child. I suggest the following steps:

1. Investigate both parents by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography), along with the child if needed.

2. Hydroxyurea can be prescribed.

Regular follow-ups must be done in children with sickle cell anemia as vaso-occlusive crisis or auto splenectomy can develop.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.