Best Doctors in India for Sickle Cell Anemia treatment
Best Hospitals in India for Sickle Cell Anemia treatment
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Equipped with 650 beds, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital is the largest stand-alone private sector hospital in Delhi.
- With over 1500 healthcare providers and 150 globally renowned super specialists, the hospital is one of Asia’s largest BMT Centres. The hospital is known for having some of the best cancer doctors in the country.
- The hospital is NABH and NABL accredited and was inaugurated by the first Prime Minister of India. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru.
- City: Hyderabad, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Located in the vibrant city of Hyderabad, Apollo Health City is a world-renowned medical facility that provides outstanding care and treatment to patients coming from different parts of the world.
- Founded in 1988, this 550-bed multispecialty hospital with 50 specialties and 12 Centres of Excellence continues to deliver outstanding outcomes for patients with the simplest to the most complicated medical conditions.
- Backed by the latest medical equipment and a dedicated team of professionals, the hospital provides comprehensive treatment across various specialties including, cardiology, critical care, neurosciences, cancer, orthopedics, gynecology, ENT, transplants, gastroenterology, etc.
- Apollo Health City is a cutting-edge healthcare facility that combines various facilities under one roof. These may include state-of-the-art physical medicine, rehabilitation, and wellness services with education, research, telemedicine, innovative medical devices, disease management programmes, and medical talents.
- The hospital is known for offering top-notch cancer treatment accompanied by cutting-edge facilities and technology.
- The hospital also offers a broad spectrum of cosmetic procedures that improve not just appearance but also comfort.
- In 2011, Apollo Health City was the recipient of the Asian Hospital Management Award (AHMA).
- In 2013, the Government of India recognized Apollo Health City as the top medical tourism destination in the country.
- City: Mumbai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Named after the wife of Indian industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani, the founder of Reliance Industries, this is one of the top hospitals in Mumbai. This 750-bed multi-specialty hospital became operational in 2009. Known as one of India’s most advanced tertiary care facilities, the hospital is designed to raise India’s global standing as a healthcare hub, with an emphasis on excellence in clinical services.
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital uses Protocol and Care Pathway based treatment models to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
- The hospital represents a confluence of top-notch talent, cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and, most importantly commitment.
- The hospital also holds the accreditation of the NABH, NABL, CAP, and JCI.
- The hospital has been recognized as the No. 1 Multispecialty Hospital in Mumbai and the West Zone for the fifth year in a row in 2020 by The Week.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Apollo Cancer Centre in Teynampet, Chennai is one of the best super speciality hospitals in India. It is the country’s first ISO-certified healthcare facility.
- Additionally, it is the first hospital in Chennai and the first oncology hospital in India to receive NABH accreditation.
- The hospital provides advanced tertiary care in oncology, orthopedics, neurology and neurosurgery, head and neck surgery, and reconstructive and plastic surgery.
- Additionally, it offers specialized healthcare of international standards with results comparable to those of the best hospitals in the world.
- It is outfitted with 300 beds, the newest and greatest technology, a large pool of highly qualified specialists, and a committed team of medical and paramedical professionals.
- It is one of the first few medical facilities in India to offer comprehensive cancer care. A team of skilled medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists makes up the Tumour Board, which is a component of the complete treatment planning system. After reviewing reported cases, the Board determines in concert with diagnostic specialists what course of action is best for each individual patient. The panel is further supported by dieticians, medical counselors, speech therapists, and other pertinent specialists.
- The hospital launched the first ExcelsiusGPS® Spine Robot in South India and has completed over 50 surgeries till date.
- It is also one of the few cancer hospitals in India to offer Cyber Knife therapy. Till now it has completed 1320 Cyber Knife therapies.
- The institution is also one of the few in India with the capacity to do transplants and find a prospective unrelated donor. The hospital has performed over 1000 BMTs till now.
- Furthermore, it has an exceptional milestone of performing exultant Micro vascular free tissue transfer and Aesthetic surgeries on more than 1000 patients with success.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, is one of the best hospitals for heart care in India. Over the years, Apollo has expanded all over India, as a healthcare chain.
- India’s first ‘Only Pancreas’ transplant was performed in Apollo Hospital. The hospital is known for successfully performing Asia’s first en-bloc combined heart and liver transplant, and over the years, it has attained a remarkable achievement in the global healthcare space. Around 3-4 organ transplants are performed in the hospital per day.
- Equipped with over 500 beds, this hospital in Chennai was established in 1983 and since then has been among the most preferred hospital for patients from all over the world.
- The hospital holds accreditation of the NABH and JCI and is the first hospital in India to be ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. It is also the first South Indian Hospital to receive subsequent reaccreditation from the JCI USA 4 times.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 1999, Gleneagles Global Hospital, Chennai, is one of the top healthcare facilities in Southern India. It is part of the Gleneagles Hospital Chain, which is the fourth largest healthcare chain in the country. The hospital specializes in multi-organ transplants of kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, etc.
- The hospital has an excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art lab and equipment set-up. The hospital boasts cutting-edge technologies, a highly skilled team of doctors and surgeons, and trained support staff. Located in Perumbakam, Chennai, it is one of India’s premier health care destinations. The hospital has performed some of the most complex surgical and clinical procedures in India including multi-organ transplantations.
- The hospital’s lung transplantation program is one of the best in the country. The hospital is known for having performed India’s first single lung transplant and first minimal invasive lung transplant. It is also the only Indian hospital to be associated with King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom for liver transplantations.
- City: Hyderabad, India
Hospital Highlights:
- KIMS Hospital (a brand name of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences) is one of the largest and best multi-speciality hospitals in Hyderabad. The hospital provides various treatments to an enormous number of patients.
- The hospital has a capacity of more than 3000 beds. KIMS Hospitals offers different healthcare services in more than 25 specialities and super specialities.
- The hospital is equipped with modern medical equipment and technology. It has robotic equipment to provide minimal invasive techniques for patients.
- The hospital is aimed at providing world-class healthcare facilities and services at an affordable cost for patients.
- The various specialities and departments of the hospital include neurosciences, gastroenterology & hepatology, robotic science, reproductive sciences, dental science, oncological sciences, organ transplantation, heart and lung transplantation and mother and child care.
- City: Kolkata, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 2003, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals is a 750-bed multispecialty tertiary care hospital situated in Kolkata.
- With 33 Centres of Excellence and more than 50 specialties, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata is capable of handling all sorts of patients.
- This tertiary care hospital, which is a 100% subsidiary of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., India, is regarded as one of Kolkata’s top hospitals.
- The facility is a complete blend of cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and genuine hospitality.
- Focusing on numerous specialties, the hospital provides all-inclusive medical treatments supported by cutting-edge technology and a staff of highly qualified medical specialists.
- Patients across the globe come to Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals Kolkata for their treatment. Moreover, international patients receive full attention and assistance for their treatment and are provided with a hassle free experience.
- Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata is the only hospital in Eastern India to hold the Joint Commission International (JCI) certificate.
- It is also the only hospital in Kolkata to hold the NABL accreditation in six different categories, which includes Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Pathology, Hematology & Immunohematology, Microbiology & Serology, and Histopathology & Cytopathology.
- Furthermore, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata is known for performing the first ever Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis Replacement in East India.
- City: Bengaluru, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 1991, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bangalore is the flagship facility of the Manipal Hospitals Group, which is one of the largest networks of Multispecialty Private Hospitals in India.
- The facility is well-known for its state-of-the-art technology, performance-driven, patient-centric, and evidence-based approach.
- The facilities offered at Manipal Hospital meet the highest international standards, allowing the hospital to attract a large number of national and international patients.
- Their expertise encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases in several specializations that address both simple as well as complex medical procedures.
- There are total 600 beds accessible in the hospital for the in-patients so they may heal while being closely watched after by the medical team. In addition, it has 144 critical care units, including NICUs, ICCUs, and ICUs. Apart from that, the hospital also offers 20 contemporary, modular state-of-the-art operating rooms with all the amenities needed.
- The hospital has several departments that are overseen by highly skilled, certified, and experienced medical experts.
- One of the best departments in the hospital is that of the Cancer department which is known for its advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities such as Intracavitary Chemotherapy, Biological Therapy, HIPEC, PIPEC, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, etc.
- It is one of the few hospitals in Bangalore that provides full range of pediatric services, including pediatric emergency services, pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric neurology, pediatric cardiology, pediatric orthopaedics, pediatric allergies, pediatric immunology, and infectious diseases.
- Furthermore, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bangalore is also regarded as one of the best hospitals for bone and spine related disorders.
- City: Mumbai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 2016, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai is one of Maharashtra’s most advanced multispecialty hospital. This 500-bed hospital provides sophisticated treatments and integrated super specialty services under one roof.
- The hospital features a cutting-edge infrastructure that houses 13 state-of-the-art operating rooms, advanced laboratory and medical diagnostics, and 120 ultra-modern I.C.U. beds, including N.I.C.U. and P.I.C.U., monitored round the clock by critical care specialists.
- With 57 specialties and subspecialties, the hospital boasts a team of renowned medical specialists who offer accurate diagnosis and treatment with easy accessibility to their patients.
- Additionally, the hospital offers highly customized, individualized health check programs that are made to fit each person’s needs in terms of lifestyle.
- Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai has been accredited by both the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) and the Joint Commission International (JCI).
- Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai has been awarded the “Best Practices-International Services Award” at the annual awards for service excellence and operations excellence.
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder. People suffering from this disease don’t have adequate healthy red blood cells that can carry oxygen throughout their bodies. The red blood cells are flexible and disc-shaped. Normally, they can easily move through the blood vessels. However, in Sickle Cell Anemia, the red blood cells acquire the shape of a sickle or a crescent moon. The cells become sticky and rigid. Ultimately, they are not able to pass through the small blood vessels. This blocks or slows down oxygen and blood flow to various parts of your body.
Sickle cell anemia is an autosomal recessive disease and you will have two copies of the genes if you are suffering from this disease. The cells trapped in the blood vessels can cause tissue damage and pain. You can only inherit the disease from your family and you will have the disease by birth. You cannot acquire the disease later in life due to external factors. The other names for the disease are Hemoglobin S disease, sickle cell disorders, HbS disease and sickle cell disease.
Types of Sickle Cell Anemia
Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the red blood cells. Different mutations in the genes cause four different types of Sickle Cell Anemia.
Hemoglobin SS disease: Considered the most common type of Sickle Cell Anemia, it occurs if you inherit copies of the hemoglobin S gene from your mother as well as father. This leads to the formation of the Hb SS. It is the most severe type of SCD and you may experience symptoms at a high rate.
Hemoglobin SC disease: As a less severe type of anemia, it is the second most common form of SCD. When you inherit the Hb C gene from one of your parents & the HbS gene from the other parent, you will suffer from this type.
Hemoglobin SB+ (Beta) Thalassemia: It affects the production of the beta-globin gene. With less production of beta protein, the size of the red blood cells reduces. You will suffer from hemoglobin S beta thalassemia if you inherit the Hb S gene.
Hemoglobin SB 0 (Beta-zero) Thalassemia: It is another type of Sickle Cell Anemia that involves the beta-globin gene. You may experience some severe symptoms if you are suffering from this disease.
Causes of Sickle Cell Anemia
A defect in the hemoglobin-beta gene present on chromosome 11 causes sickle cell disease. Due to the defect, abnormal hemoglobin is formed. You will have the disease if both your parents pass on the abnormal hemoglobin gene to you. If you have only one defective hemoglobin-beta gene, you are a carrier of the disorder. You won’t experience the symptoms of Sickle Cell Anemia but you can pass the disease to your children if your husband or wife is also a carrier of the trait.
Symptoms of Sickle Cell Anemia
The first signs of Sickle Cell Anemia appear when the child is 5 months old. The symptoms of SCD include:
- Anemia- You will have very few red blood cells when the sickle cells break easily and die. While the red blood cells normally live for 120 days before their death, the sickle cells hardly live for 20 days. This causes anemia or a shortage of red blood cells. Because of this, your body won’t get adequate oxygen and cause fatigue.
- Pain- You will also experience episodic pain when the sickle-shaped cells obstruct the blood flow through the blood vessels. The intensity of the pain will vary and it may sometimes last for a few weeks.
- Swelling- The sickle-shaped cells block blood flow to the various parts of your body and cause swelling.
- Infections- You may be at a higher risk of infections when sickle cells cause damage to your so spleen.
- Delayed growth- Your body gets the required nutrients and oxygen for the growth from the red blood cells. Sickle-shaped cells slow down the growth of your body.
- Vision problems- The sickle cells may get stuck into the blood vessels that supply your eyes. This can cause damage to the portion of your eyes that produces visual images- the retina. Ultimately, you will suffer from vision problems.
Diagnosis of Sickle Cell Anemia
Your doctor will ask you to take blood tests to check for the defective hemoglobin in your body. Your doctor may ask you to undergo some other tests too including a special ultrasound to rule out the possibility of a stroke. You may check if your unborn baby is suffering from the disease or not by a check of the amniotic fluid. The doctor can also ask you to undertake Hb electrophoresis to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Sickle Cell Anemia
Medications
Hydroxyurea reduces the need for hospitalization or undergoing a blood transfusion. L-glutamine reduces the frequency of episodic pain. Narcotics will relieve the pain during episodes of pain.
Preventing infections
Your children will have to receive penicillin till they get 5 years old. This prevents infections that can prove to be fatal.
Blood transfusions
Blood transfusion increases the red blood cells in your blood to further reduce the complications.
Stem cell transplant
It involves the replacement of the bone marrow affected due to SCD. A donor will donate healthy bone marrow for the replacement.
Healthy diet
A healthy diet comprising of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help a lot. Your doctor may also prescribe folic acid supplements to you.
Avoiding extreme temperatures
Extreme temperatures increase the risk of episodic pain. So, you must try to avoid them.
Talking
Find someone from your friends or family with whom you can share your pain. You can also ask your doctor to recommend a support group for you.
Learning more
Gather more knowledge about the disease to make sound decisions.