What Black Patients Need to Know About Bone Marrow Transplants

While some people with sickle cell anemia can have a high-quality life with the use of medication and medical procedures, others need a cure. Thus far, the only cure for the illness is a bone marrow transplant. Black people, in particular, should find out everything they can about this procedure as they are more prone to developing sickle cell disease than other ethnicities. Furthermore, their symptoms tend to be worse. Who Qualifies For A Transplant Bone marrow transplants are usually limited to people who have significant symptoms and complications from sickle cell disease. Some of the potential complications include stroke, organ damage, pulmonary hypertension, blindness, gallstones, and deep vein thrombosis. Once your doctor thinks the transplant is an option, they’ll request tests to assess your overall health. This can include blood and imaging tests to check for other chronic conditions that may affect the procedure’s success. You can also expect to do a bone marrow biopsy, which gives an accurate picture of your condition. However, you should bear in mind that Black people may have a harder time getting a match for a bone marrow donor. Black Americans who need a transplant generally have to wait longer than other ethnicities...