&w=3840&q=100)
Dr explains: Why sickle cell disease disproportionately affects India's tribal communities
Sickle Cell disease disproportionately affects India's tribal populations, with complications impacting both children and adults. Firstpost brings out experts' view on early signs, treatments and strategies for managing pain and infection in sickle cell patients. read more
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a hereditary blood disorder, remains a serious public health challenge in India, especially among tribal communities. The disease causes abnormally shaped red blood cells that obstruct blood flow, leading to severe pain and complications.
According to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, nearly 10% to 40% of the tribal population in certain states carries the sickle cell trait. The burden is highest in states like Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Gujarat. Despite its high prevalence, limited awareness, delayed diagnosis, and poor access to care continue to hinder timely treatment.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
To gain a deeper understanding of the disease and explore effective management approaches, Firstpost spoke with Dr. Gaurav Dixit, Associate Director of Haemato-oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant at Paras Health to shed light on the key issues surrounding SCD in India.
What factors contribute to the prevalence of sickle cell disease in tribal populations?
Dr Dixit: Tribal communities in India are indeed hit particularly hard by sickle cell disease (SCD), especially in states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh. The sickle cell gene is prevalent in these populations due to genetic factors. The disease's impact is further exacerbated by limited access to early screening and adequate healthcare.
How does sickle cell disease affect the brain?
Dr Dixit: Serious neurological issues, such as overt strokes and silent cerebral infarcts, can result from SCD, particularly in children. These complications occur when sickled red blood cells block blood vessels in the brain. Therefore, early detection and prevention through routine screening using transcranial Doppler ultrasounds is crucial.
What are the early clinical signs that help differentiate sickle cell disease from other haemoglobinopathies in children?
Dr Dixit: Key early indicators include anaemia, jaundice, delayed growth, recurrent infections, and dactylitis (painful swelling of hands and feet). A definitive diagnosis is made using hemoglobin electrophoresis or newborn screening, which helps differentiate SCD from other hemoglobinopathies, such as thalassemia.
How do recurrent vaso-occlusive crises affect long-term organ function in sickle cell patients?
Repeated vaso-occlusive crises can lead to chronic damage in vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, and spleen. Over time, patients may develop complications like pulmonary hypertension, chronic kidney disease, or avascular necrosis. Preventative care and effective crisis management are essential in limiting long-term damage.
What are the most common complications you observe in adult patients with sickle cell disease in India?
Dr Dixit: Adults with SCD often experience complications like priapism, gallstones, leg ulcers, chronic pain, strokes, and organ dysfunction, particularly in the kidneys and lungs. Many also suffer from psychosocial challenges, which underscores the need for comprehensive and multidisciplinary care.
How effective is hydroxyurea therapy in reducing hospitalisations and improving life expectancy in sickle cell patients?
Dr Dixit: Hydroxyurea has significantly reduced the frequency of pain episodes, hospitalisations and the need for blood transfusions. Early initiation and regular monitoring with hydroxyurea therapy can improve both life expectancy and overall quality of life in patients.
Could you explain the role of bone marrow transplantation in managing sickle cell disease? Who qualifies for it?
Dr Dixit: Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation is currently the only curative treatment for SCD. It is most effective when performed early in life and with a matched sibling donor. However, due to donor scarcity, it is generally reserved for patients with severe disease and frequent complications.
How do you approach pain management and infection prevention in paediatric sickle cell patients?
Dr Dixit: Pain management starts with hydration and NSAIDs, escalating to opioids in severe cases. For infection prevention, we rely on early childhood penicillin prophylaxis, timely vaccinations, and prompt treatment of fevers. Parent education and regular monitoring also play a crucial role in managing paediatric cases.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
First Post
a day ago
- First Post
Dr explains: Why sickle cell disease disproportionately affects India's tribal communities
Sickle Cell disease disproportionately affects India's tribal populations, with complications impacting both children and adults. Firstpost brings out experts' view on early signs, treatments and strategies for managing pain and infection in sickle cell patients. read more Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a hereditary blood disorder, remains a serious public health challenge in India, especially among tribal communities. The disease causes abnormally shaped red blood cells that obstruct blood flow, leading to severe pain and complications. According to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, nearly 10% to 40% of the tribal population in certain states carries the sickle cell trait. The burden is highest in states like Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Gujarat. Despite its high prevalence, limited awareness, delayed diagnosis, and poor access to care continue to hinder timely treatment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD To gain a deeper understanding of the disease and explore effective management approaches, Firstpost spoke with Dr. Gaurav Dixit, Associate Director of Haemato-oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant at Paras Health to shed light on the key issues surrounding SCD in India. What factors contribute to the prevalence of sickle cell disease in tribal populations? Dr Dixit: Tribal communities in India are indeed hit particularly hard by sickle cell disease (SCD), especially in states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh. The sickle cell gene is prevalent in these populations due to genetic factors. The disease's impact is further exacerbated by limited access to early screening and adequate healthcare. How does sickle cell disease affect the brain? Dr Dixit: Serious neurological issues, such as overt strokes and silent cerebral infarcts, can result from SCD, particularly in children. These complications occur when sickled red blood cells block blood vessels in the brain. Therefore, early detection and prevention through routine screening using transcranial Doppler ultrasounds is crucial. What are the early clinical signs that help differentiate sickle cell disease from other haemoglobinopathies in children? Dr Dixit: Key early indicators include anaemia, jaundice, delayed growth, recurrent infections, and dactylitis (painful swelling of hands and feet). A definitive diagnosis is made using hemoglobin electrophoresis or newborn screening, which helps differentiate SCD from other hemoglobinopathies, such as thalassemia. How do recurrent vaso-occlusive crises affect long-term organ function in sickle cell patients? Repeated vaso-occlusive crises can lead to chronic damage in vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, and spleen. Over time, patients may develop complications like pulmonary hypertension, chronic kidney disease, or avascular necrosis. Preventative care and effective crisis management are essential in limiting long-term damage. What are the most common complications you observe in adult patients with sickle cell disease in India? Dr Dixit: Adults with SCD often experience complications like priapism, gallstones, leg ulcers, chronic pain, strokes, and organ dysfunction, particularly in the kidneys and lungs. Many also suffer from psychosocial challenges, which underscores the need for comprehensive and multidisciplinary care. How effective is hydroxyurea therapy in reducing hospitalisations and improving life expectancy in sickle cell patients? Dr Dixit: Hydroxyurea has significantly reduced the frequency of pain episodes, hospitalisations and the need for blood transfusions. Early initiation and regular monitoring with hydroxyurea therapy can improve both life expectancy and overall quality of life in patients. Could you explain the role of bone marrow transplantation in managing sickle cell disease? Who qualifies for it? Dr Dixit: Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation is currently the only curative treatment for SCD. It is most effective when performed early in life and with a matched sibling donor. However, due to donor scarcity, it is generally reserved for patients with severe disease and frequent complications. How do you approach pain management and infection prevention in paediatric sickle cell patients? Dr Dixit: Pain management starts with hydration and NSAIDs, escalating to opioids in severe cases. For infection prevention, we rely on early childhood penicillin prophylaxis, timely vaccinations, and prompt treatment of fevers. Parent education and regular monitoring also play a crucial role in managing paediatric cases.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
1-2 patients coming to hospital daily with heatstroke symptoms, say doctors as temperatures soar in Gurgaon
Gurgaon: As Delhi-NCR reels under a heatwave, hospitals are reporting an increase in the number of heatstroke patients being admitted, with a few of them ending up in ICUs and on ventilation support. According to doctors, while most patients are discharged after a few hours of treatment, some require hospitalisation for 2 to 3 days. "Some extreme cases require intensive care," said Munesh, a nurse at a private hospital in Sector 56. "Over the past week, we have seen 1 or 2 patients daily with heat-related illnesses. They come in with symptoms such as dehydration, sweating, anxiety, nausea, high pulse rate, and low-grade fever. Thankfully, most recover well with simple cooling measures and symptomatic treatment. But it's important to remember that if not addressed early, these symptoms can escalate into heatstroke, which is a medical emergency," said Dr Tushar Tayal of CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon. Heatstroke, characterised by body temperatures rising above 40 degrees Celsius, can cause neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness, leading to multiple organ failure in extreme cases. "My brother had cramps and severe headaches for a few days after which we brought him to the hospital. It was declared that he had a heatstroke," said Rashmi Singh, a resident of South City-1. Somvir Kumar, a Sector 10 resident, said he got a heatstroke due to intensive travel and outdoor exposure. "I work at a shop at Hero Honda Chowk and have been travelling to Delhi and UP every day to get materials for it. It was due to this that I got a heatstroke. I had nausea and fever, and when my condition did not improve, I went to the hospital. I was admitted for a day and was discharged on Thursday," he said. Meanwhile, as heatwave is expected to continue in the region, authorities have urged the public to take precautions to prevent heatstrokes. Outdoor exposure in the heat is to be avoided, medical experts have warned, adding that vulnerable populations such as the children and elderly, are more at risk and should take special care. "The relentless heat and 'loo', which dries out the skin, are making people ill. We are seeing a surge in patients suffering from heatstrokes and dehydration, and outdoor workers and labourers are at a higher risk," said Dr Arunesh Kumar, senior consultant, respiratory medicine, Paras Health, Gurgaon. To stay safe, people are advised to stay indoors during peak heat hours, wear light, loose-fitting clothes, use fans and coolers, drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated drinks or alcoholic beverages. Dr Satish Koul, senior director and unit head - internal medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon, stated, "People must stay hydrated, avoid exposure to sun, wear light and breathable clothes, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms like high fever, confusion, dizziness, or rapid heart rate."
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
6 days ago
- First Post
‘Vomited, tried cleaning it up': Family questions IIT Delhi scholar's death on campus
A 25-year-old PhD student at IIT Delhi was found dead in his hostel room on Wednesday under mysterious circumstances. The family, while speaking exclusively to Firstpost, has ruled out suicide as the cause of death. read more Ayush Singhal, a 25-year-old PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at IIT Delhi, was found dead in his hostel room on Wednesday. His family, who remember him as a bright and diligent scholar with aspirations to advance biomedical research after initially studying dentistry, do not believe he died by suicide and suspect other causes instead. 'He had returned from AIIMS, where he was working on a project, had his dinner, and went for a walk with a friend. On Wednesday, when we couldn't get in touch with him, we informed the university,' said his maternal uncle, Harish Garg. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He said, 'There were anti-vomiting medicines and a bottle of ORS near him. It looked like he had tried to clean up vomit beside his bed'. Singhal's PhD research was based at IIT Delhi, with much of his lab work conducted at AIIMS. After the administration intervened, his room door was forcibly opened, and he was found unresponsive on his bed. There were no visible external injuries, but vomit on the floor suggested possible health complications. 'It could be food poisoning or a heart attack. We will know more after the post-mortem,' Garg said. The family is awaiting the outcome of the post-mortem at Safdarjung Hospital. His mother fainted at the hospital due to the shock. Singhal is survived by his mother and younger sister; his father, a dentist, passed away in 2002. IIT Delhi officials expressed deep grief over the incident and extended full support to the family. Dean of Student Affairs, Professor BK Panigrahi, is reported to have written an email to students, urging them to seek counselling if needed and emphasised the importance of supporting each other during this difficult time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This death has drawn attention to a worrying pattern on the IIT Delhi campus, where several students have died under similar circumstances. Official records, cited in media reports, indicate that at least 12 students have died on campus between 2006 and 2024, with many cases involving isolation and delayed discovery of the body. The majority were male students, and the deaths span undergraduate to PhD levels, with some ruled suicides and others under investigation. Current and former students describe a culture of intense academic pressure and social isolation, especially among PhD scholars, who often have small social circles confined mostly to their labs. Safety protocols limiting hostel room access have inadvertently reduced peer interaction, making it difficult to check on students who become unresponsive. One PhD student, quoted by The Indian Express, said, 'The life of a PhD student is completely different in an IIT. We are in our own world and more isolated than the rest of the MTech or BTech students. Our social circles are small, and mostly our peers in the labs would know more about what is happening with us than the ones in the hostel or other friends on campus.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Following up on previous demands, IIT Delhi had commissioned an external committee to examine the institutional environment related to student suicides. The report, submitted in August 2024, highlighted high academic pressure, toxic competitiveness, and also indicated caste and gender discrimination as key issues. However, the institute only publicly acknowledged these findings in April 2025 and is now working on a comprehensive action plan to improve student support structures. The circumstances surrounding Ayush Singhal's death remain under investigation by the Delhi Police, with the post-mortem report awaited to clarify the cause. Family and friends have not raised suspicions of foul play, but the family's doubts about suicide persist.
