Neurocognitive functioning in preschool children with sickle cell disease.

Background: Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience neurodevelopmental delays; however, there is limited research with preschool-age children. This study examined neurocognitive risk and protective factors in preschoolers with SCD.

Procedure: Sixty-two patients with SCD (60% HbSS/HbSβ -thalassemia; 40% HbSC/HbSβ -thalassemia) between the ages of 3 and 6 years (mean = 4.