27 May NICE recommends new sickle cell treatment device that could save the NHS millions

In guidance published this month, NICE is recommending a new device for managing sickle cell disease which makes treatment easier and quicker for patients, and could save the NHS in England around £13 million each year, around £18,000 per patient – with the size of the saving depending on the patient’s condition and the equipment already owned by the NHS.

The NICE medical technology guidance supports the use of the Spectra Optia Apheresis System for automated red blood cell exchange in patients with sickle cell disease who need regular transfusion. The device automatically replaces sickle red blood cells with healthy red blood cells in people with the disease. The Spectra Optia is faster to use and patients need the process less often than manual red blood cell exchange.

There are between 12,500 – 15,000 people with sickle cell disease in the UK, with an estimated 240,000 genetic carriers. It is more prevalent among people of African and African-Caribbean descent, but it can affect any ethnic group. There is no routine cure for sickle cell disease but patients can be supported to manage the condition.

Emc3 Nigeria through Richard Coker Foundation helps create awareness on Sickle Cell Traits and raise fund.

The awareness of sickle cell traits is non-existent in middle and high school students, especially the African-Americans and those having malaria impacted regions as their descent. Sickle Cell trait is found in 8% of African-Americans. There is no comprehensive program across the country to make school students aware of SCT. The students are not aware that the sickle cell trait can lead to health complications if they are doing strenuous exercise or swimming to build stamina or to compete.

Ref: http://sicklecellsociety.org/category/news/

http://www.omicsonline.org/

richardcokerfoundation.wordpress.com/the-foundation-story/