EPIDEMIOLOGIC-STUDY OF SICKLE-CELL DISEASE IN WESTERN ORISSA

A cross-sectional epidemiological study of 3685 cases attending the Si ckle Cell Clinic for the first time at V.S.S. Medical College Hospital , Burla in Western Orissa was carried out. Sickle cell genotype data c ollected for three consecutive years belonging to the period from Augu st 1989 to July 1992 were analysed. Sickle cell homozygotes die early (younger) than the heterozygotes (traits) and normal controls showing thereby age specific mortality and relatively their lower fitness. The average life span of sickle cell homozygotes is about 20 years as aga inst the normal life span of 50 years of heterozygotes in Western Oris sa. Hospital based data indicate that about 48% of the surrounding pop ulation to whom medical services are rendered is inheriting the sickle cell gene in Western Orissa.