Context
Pfizer pulls sickle cell disease drug from markets
About Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)
- Inherited Blood Disorder: Common among people of African, Arabian, and Indian origin.
- Chronic Gene Disorder: Causes a debilitating systemic syndrome.
- Key Characteristics: Chronic anaemia, painful episodes, organ infarction, chronic organ damage.
- Condition
- Hemoglobin Transformation: Converts normal haemoglobin into hemoglobin S, which distorts red blood cells into a sickle or crescent shape.
- Impact: Blocks blood flow and oxygen delivery, affecting various parts of the body.
- Treatment
- Blood Transfusions: To manage anaemia.
- Hydroxyurea: Reduces frequency of painful episodes.
- Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplantation: Potentially curative.
India and SCD
- India’s Burden: Accounts for 88% of Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) cases in Asia.
- Affected Regions: Eastern Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, western Odisha, Nilgiri Hills (Tamil Nadu, Kerala).
- Prevalence: Mostly among tribal communities, including children.
Source:
CNBC
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by ‘the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
