title: Sickle cell anaemia: The need for new approaches in management.
abstract: Sickle cell anaemia is an important genetic disorder in India and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Over 100 000 people are affected by this disorder and 10%-40% of the 85 million tribal population carries this gene. Conventional management and therapy with hydroxyurea provides symptomatic relief. A search for an anti-sickling agent has so far proved unsuccessful. However, improving upon existing compounds; looking for newer products using modern tools of bioinformatics, monoclonal antibody and aptamer technology; and evaluating medicines from ethno-pharmacology are promising approaches in managing this disease.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Immunohaematology (ICMR), 13th Floor, K.E.M. Hospital, Parel, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India; kanjakshaghosh@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Kanjaksha
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ghosh
mesh_terms: D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000628:therapy*; D000986:Antisickling Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D020834:Ethnopharmacology; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000986:Antisickling Agents