Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment in Turkey: Indications, Cost and Recovery

Globally considered a rare disease, sickle cell anemia occurs in approximately 1 in every million births. This inherited genetic disorder leads to the formation of abnormal C-shaped red blood cells, also known as sickle cells. Unlike healthy red blood cells, which are round and flexible, sickle cells are rigid and crescent-shaped. This abnormal shape impairs their ability to flow smoothly through blood vessels and leads to restricted blood flow and reduced oxygen delivery to different parts of the body.

While a number of treatment options are available to alleviate the symptoms of sickle cell anemia, the most effective options currently include bone marrow transplantation and stem cell therapy. Unfortunately, these advanced treatments can be very expensive in a number of Western countries, making timely care and management inaccessible for many patients. As a result, an increasing number of people from countries such as the USA, UK, and Australia are availing sickle cell anemia treatment in Turkey, where even complex procedures are made more accessible and affordable thanks to advanced medical technology and high-quality healthcare infrastructure. This page will be your guide to everything you need to know about sickle cell anemia treatment in Turkey, including costs and best doctors.

What are the Indications for Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment in Turkey? 

If you are someone who is dealing with sickle cell disease, then you might be facing some debilitating symptoms that disrupt the quality of your life. However, seeking medical care and advice as soon as you notice any symptoms of sickle cell anaemia ensures prompt diagnosis and timely treatment.

Early treatment can majorly influence health outcomes and your quality of life. But before undergoing treatment, it is essential to understand whether you are eligible to undergo a bone marrow transplant sickle cell treatment so that you can make an informed decision regarding your health.

Mentioned below are some of the indications for sickle cell anemia treatment in Turkey:

• Anemia: Due to the unavailability of healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen all around the body, people with sickle cell disease often feel exhausted.
• Pain Crises: Sometimes, the sickle-shaped cells can get stuck and block blood flow, which can cause pain. Seek medical help for pain management.
• Swelling in Hands and Feet: Because of the blocked blood flow, your hands and feet might swell up and feel uncomfortable.
• Increased Infection Risk: Due to a poor immune system, people with SCD might find it tougher to fight off germs, leading to them getting sick more easily.
• Delayed Growth and Puberty: Kids with sickle cell disease are likely to grow up more slowly and hit puberty much later than normal kids.
• Vision Problems: Blocked red blood cells can also impact people's eyesight, making it hard for them to see clearly and causing disturbances in vision.

How is Sickle Cell Anemia Diagnosed?

Before you undergo BMT for sickle cell disease or any other treatment procedure, your doctor will run some tests and health examinations to diagnose sickle cell anemia. The medical team may ask about the symptoms that you experience, particularly pain in your arms, legs, or belly. 

Even after the physical examination, you will need to submit files regarding your medical history, current medication regimen, and overall health status. The healthcare team will evaluate all these factors to choose the most suitable treatment option for your condition.

Here’s a breakdown of what a sickle cell diagnosis might look like: 

• Complete blood count (CBC): Since the abnormality lies in red blood cells, sickle cell can easily be detected through blood tests. CBCs include specific tests to check your red blood cells.
• Hemoglobin electrophoresis: This approach is known as high-performance liquid chromatography. This is a test that helps in analysing your haemoglobin to find and measure the abnormal haemoglobin that is causing sickle cell anaemia.
• Genetic tests: Your doctor may also order a neonatal screening procedure to see if you have the genetic changes (mutations) that cause sickle cell anaemia.

What are the Options for Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment in Turkey? 

The management of sickle cell anemia focuses on relieving pain episodes, controlling symptoms, and preventing long-term complications. Sickle cell anaemia treatment in Turkey can include options such  as medications, blood transfusions, bone marrow transplants and advanced stem cell therapies. 

Based on your symptoms and disease progression, your doctor will decide the right course of treatment for you, discussing the expectations and outcomes in detail. Here are some of the common options for sickle cell anemia treatment in Turkey: 

■ Medications:

Your doctor might prescribe you some medicines like hydroxyurea, L-glutamine oral powder (Endari), Voxelotor (Oxbryta), and Crizanlizumab (Adakveo) to reduce the risk of complications such as pain crises. While some of them are given as injections in adults and children older than 16 years, others can be taken orally. They help lower the risk of anaemia and improve blood flow throughout the body. Narcotic pain relievers are also prescribed to manage severe pain episodes.

■ Blood Transfusions:

Blood transfusion is a common treatment procedure that involves transfusion of red blood cells, which aids in treating and preventing complications like stroke in people with sickle cell disease. This procedure involves removing healthy red blood cells from a supply of donated blood. Next, they are transfused through the vein of the person with sickle cell anaemia. By increasing the number of red blood cells that are not affected by anaemia, this procedure helps reduce symptoms and complications. 

■ Bone Marrow Transplant:

BMT for sickle cell disease involves replacing the patient’s diseased bone marrow that is affected by sickle cell anemia with healthy marrow from a compatible donor. For the best results, this method requires a matched donor, such as a sibling, who is not affected by sickle cell anaemia. Bone marrow transplant sickle cell treatment is mainly recommended for people, usually children, who experience debilitating symptoms of sickle cell anemia. 

■ Stem Cell Gene Addition Therapy:

A stem cell therapy involves modifying the patient’s own stem cells. During the procedure, the patient’s own stem cells are collected and genetically modified to produce healthy hemoglobin. Further down the procedure, the modified stem cells are then returned back to the person through a procedure known as autologous transplant. This is usually considered the last resort for people who do not find a well-matched donor for bone marrow transplants.

How is Recovery After Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment in Turkey?

People with sickle cell anemia require lifelong monitoring and check-ups to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and maintain a patient’s optimal health. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help monitor a patient’s haemoglobin level and kidney function, allowing them to adjust the medication regimen accordingly. 

Following the Sickle cell anemia treatment in Turkey, the patient will have to adopt a healthy lifestyle, adjusting diet, work, and other sectors of life to match their physical needs. Extreme temperatures and strenuous activities should be avoided, as recommended by the doctors. 

Why Opt for Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment in Turkey?

Turkey treats about 200,000 international patients annually, making it a hub of quality medical care and innovation. The accredited Turkish hospitals like Medipol Mega University Hospital, American Hospital (Istanbul), and Medicana offer affordable care without compromising on quality. Moreover, all types of treatment procedures in Turkey follow international safety protocols and guidelines. The affordability of Sickle cell transplant cost, availability of skilled haematologists and JCI-accredited hospitals make Turkey the leading destination for medical tourism, especially for sickle cell treatment. Additionally, Sickle cell bone marrow transplant cost is relatively low in Turkey, ranging from around $20,000 to $40,000, which is half of what it costs in other countries, making medical care accessible and stress-free for a number of patients.