Publications by authors named "Ekua Hackney-Stephens"
Purpose: We evaluated bone mineral density (BMD) and risk factors for poor bone mineralization in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA).
Patients And Methods: Twenty-five children with severe manifestations of SCA (frequent hospitalizations, growth delay, or need for chronic red cell transfusions) were enrolled. Bone density was assessed at lumbar spine and proximal femur with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and Z-scores were calculated by comparison with age, sex, and ethnicity-specific reference data.
Background: We hypothesized that child cognitive disability would be a significant risk factor for non-adherence with home deferoxamine (DFO) administration and that a factor that would contribute to improved adherence would be sharing of responsibilities for chelation between parents and patients. We explored the influences on adherence of behavioral and psychological adjustment; family stress; perceived convenience of and satisfaction with the DFO regimen; and parent and patient knowledge about DFO.
Procedure: Fifteen pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) who had evidence of excessive iron stores, and their parents, were interviewed about adherence and responsibility for chelation therapy.