Association of hydroxyurea adherence with transcranial Doppler screenings in children with sickle cell disease.

Background: National sickle cell disease (SCD) guidelines recommend oral hydroxyurea (HU) starting at 9 months of age, and annual transcranial Doppler (TCD) screenings to identify stroke risk in children aged 2-16 years. We examined prevalence and proportion of TCD screenings in North Carolina Medicaid enrollees to identify associations with sociodemographic factors and HU adherence over 3 years.

Study Design: We conducted a longitudinal study with children ages 2-16 years with SCD enrolled in NC Medicaid from years 2016-2019.

Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Delays in Children 0 to 5 Years of Age With Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Literature Review.

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common abnormal genetic blood disease that affects ∼100,000 Americans. Approximately 20% to 37% of children with sickle cell anemia have silent cerebral infarcts by the age of 14 years old. Neurocognitive deficits are identified in infants and preschool children with SCD.

Exploring Emergency Department Provider Experiences With and Perceptions of Weight-Based Versus Individualized Vaso-Occlusive Treatment Protocols in Sickle Cell Disease.

Treatment of vaso-occlusive episodes (VOEs) is the most common reason for emergency department (ED) treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD). We (1) compared perceptions of the usability and ability to manage VOE pain between ED nurses and other ED provider types, ED sites, and VOE protocols (individualized vs. weight-based), and (2) identified ED nurse and other provider protocol suggestions.