KUWAIT CITY, June 12: Head of the Pediatrics Association and Head of the Department of Hematology, Pediatric Cancer and Stem Cell Transplantation at the National Bank Hospital, Dr. Sondos Al- Sharida, said that there are about 150 children with sickle cell anemia in Kuwait. In a press statement, on the occasion of the launch of the ‘Sickle- Cell Anemia Forum’ activities Sunday, in cooperation between the Department of Hematology and Cancer and the Pediatrics Association, Al-Sharida explained that the rates of sickle cell anemia in the country do not differ from the rest of the world.

She pointed out that the one-day forum discussed several topics about the latest developments in apheresis (replacement of red cells for the injured) for patients with sickle cell anemia. It indicated that leukemia (blood cancer) and tumors of all kinds are among the most common diseases among patients in the Department of Hematology at the National Bank Hospital.

She stated that the causes of infection are hereditary and others acquired, explaining that among the symptoms and warning signs are high body temperature, infections, bruises, weight loss, extreme fatigue, flatulence, lymph nodes and other signs that parents should pay attention to and visit the attending physician if they appear. Al-Sharida announced the organization of many events to celebrate the International Day of Sickle Cell Anemia, which falls on the 19th of this month, including the organization of an open day for sickle cell anemia patients and their families next Saturday at the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Museum, in addition to the sickle cell anemia children’s marathon, which will be held in the Capital Mall. (KUNA)