Comorbid ADHD and Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease: Prevalence and Risk Factors.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood condition that places youth at increased risk for deficits in complex attention suggestive of increased risk for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We used systematic screening to assess the prevalence of ADHD in a clinic-based sample of youth with SCD and explored factors related to ADHD. Caregivers of 107 children with SCD (ages 7-11 years) completed routine psychosocial screening which included inattentive symptoms of ADHD.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preterm Children with Sickle Cell Disease.

Objectives: To explore the combined effect of pediatric sickle cell disease (SCD) and preterm birth on cognitive functioning.

Methods: Cognitive functioning was examined in children ages 6-8 with high risk SCD genotypes born preterm ( = 20) and full-term ( = 59) and lower risk SCD genotypes/no SCD born preterm ( = 11) and full-term ( = 99) using tests previously shown to be sensitive to SCD-related neurocognitive deficits. Factorial ANOVAs and log linear analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between SCD risk, preterm birth status, and cognitive outcomes.