Stem cell transplantation: Emerging hope for sickle cell disease patients

4^th Global Surgery and Transplantation Congress

October 03-04, 2016 Atlanta, USA

Olusogo Busari

University College Hospital, Nigeria

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Transplant Technol Res

Abstract :

Sickle cell disease remains a disease of public health importance particularly in West Africa with 2-3% of the Nigerian population living with the disease and 25% being carriers of sickle cell trait. Despite the advocacy programme on prevention, the prevalence of sickle cell disease does not seem to have changed. Early detection through prenatal and neonatal screening and novel therapies such as chronic transfusion and use of hydroxyurea have helped in preventing complications and thus prolonged the life span of patients with sickle cell disease. Stem cell transplantation is a potential cure for patients with sickle cell disease and our institution has over 2000 adult and 800 paediatric sickle cells patients and many more are still joining the pool. My focus on transplantation medicine is linked to the large cohort of these patients who might be able to lead a normal life if successfully transplanted. Currently, very few of the patients who can afford the transplant are referred to abroad. We intend to establish a sickle cell centre which will incorporate the transplant centre. I have a short exposure/training locally in bone marrow transplant in sickle cell. The recent success reported by National Institute of Health (NIH) will offer the opportunity to our adult sickle cell patients to lead a normal life. Therefore, I look forward to available cutting edge science and opportunities in the field of transplantation during the conference.

Biography :

Email: olusogobusari@yahoo.com