CHECK FOR GENOTYPE COMPATIBILITY

Genotype Compatibility
Genotype compatibility is a topic that should be discussed as a matter of necessity, between partners who intend to get married and/or bear children. This helps prevent future problems for partners and their child(ren).

The WHO 2014 statistics, says that; “at least 100,000 babies die from the sickle cell disorder in Nigeria every year.”

What is genotype?

Genotype is simply the genetic makeup of an individual organism which determines a specific characteristic. Blood genotype indicates the type of protein (Haemoglobin) found in your red blood cells. There are six blood genotypes which are AA, AS, AC, SS, SC and CC (very rare).

Who is genetically compatible?

Two people are genetically compatible when there is no possibility of birthing a sickle cell diseased child.

To know if genotypes are compatible, a physical pairing with the letters can be done.

For example, 

AA x AS can produce either AA or AS.

SS x AA will produce AS throughout.

These examples above are most likely to occur but they're not 100% assured.

AA genotype can be crossed with any other genotype. This makes AA, the safest genotype.

Compatible genotypes:

• AA x AA
• AA x SS
• AA x AS
• AA x SC
• AA x AC
• AA x CC

Incompatible genotypes:

• AS x AS
• AS x AC
• AS x SC
• AS x CC
• AC x SS
• AC x AC
• AC x SC
• AC x CC
• SS x SS
• CC x CC
• SC x SC

Research has shown that it is the only promising permanent cure to SS, SC, and CC; however, it is new, very expensive and cannot be done in any part of Africa. It also carries some risks like stem cell (graft) damage, infections, infertility, death among others.

To prevent crisis and stay healthy, SCD patients should do the following:

1. Avoid taking baths with cold water.
2. Dress in warm clothes in cold environments.
3. Drink plenty of water.
4. Limit Alcohol.
5. Avoid smoking.
6. Manage stress.
7. Stay amidst healthy people.
8. Exercise.
9. Use their medication regularly.