Standardizing the evaluation and management of iron deficiency anemia secondary to heavy menstrual bleeding in the emergency department.

Background: Comprehensive guidelines for the management of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in adolescents with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) presenting to the emergency department (ED) are lacking, leading to variability in care. We aimed to standardize the evaluation and management of these patients through the development and implementation of an evidence-based algorithm using quality improvement methodology.

Methods: Baseline data of the target population identified variability across four key measures of clinical management: therapy choice and administration, laboratory evaluation, hematology service consultation, and patient disposition.

Clinical Practice Patterns in Sickle Cell Disease Treatment: Disease-modifying and Potentially Curative Therapies.

Therapeutic options for sickle cell disease (SCD) have increased recently as well as the development of updated national guidelines. It is not known how these options are being offered or to what degree guidelines are incorporated into clinical practice. This study aimed to describe practice patterns for pediatric hematologists regarding the use of disease-modifying and potentially curative therapies for SCD.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for B-thalassemia major with alemtuzumab.

While matched related donor (MRD) allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative option for transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDT), the use of alternative sources has increased, resulting in the exploration of novel transplant-conditioning regimens to reduce the contribution of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and graft failure (GF) to transplant-related morbidity and mortality. Alemtuzumab is a CD52 monoclonal antibody that has been successfully incorporated into myeloablative conditioning regimens for other hematologic conditions, yet there have been limited studies regarding the use of alemtuzumab in HSCT for TDT. The purpose of this study was to evaluate engraftment, incidence of GVHD, and transplant related morbidity and mortality in patients with TDT who received alemtuzumab in addition to standard busulfan-based conditioning.

Perceptions and experiences of Latinx parents with language barriers in a pediatric emergency department: a qualitative study.

Background: Prior research has shown disparities exist among Latinx children who require treatment for respiratory illnesses within the pediatric emergency department (PED). Limited data exist regarding Latinx families' experiences on the care they received at PEDs within non-traditional destination areas (NDA). Their experiences can identify areas of improvement to potentially reduce healthcare disparities among pediatric patients within this population.

Stroke Avoidance for Children in REpública Dominicana (SACRED): Protocol for a Prospective Study of Stroke Risk and Hydroxyurea Treatment in Sickle Cell Anemia.

Background: In the Dominican Republic, where the burden of sickle cell anemia (SCA) is high, many children lack access to routine screening and preventative care. Children with SCA are at risk for stroke, an event that leads to significant morbidity and mortality. In the United States, screening via transcranial Doppler (TCD) identifies children with SCA at highest stroke risk, allowing early intervention with blood transfusions.