Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Continuous Manual Exchange Transfusion for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: An Efficient Method to Avoid Iron Overload
05:23

Continuous Manual Exchange Transfusion for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: An Efficient Method to Avoid Iron Overload

Published on: March 14, 2017

Current concepts in the management of stroke in children with sickle cell disease

M S Islam1, P Anoop

  • 1Department of Haematology, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, England, UK. serajul@doctors.org.uk

Child'S Nervous System : Chns : Official Journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery
|January 25, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Stroke is a major risk in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Early detection using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and preventative strategies are crucial for reducing stroke complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Hematology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children with sickle cell disease (SCD).
  • Recent decades show advancements in understanding SCD stroke pathophysiology, risk stratification, and preventative interventions.
  • This review focuses on the aetiopathogenesis, types, and risk factors of stroke in pediatric SCD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pathophysiology, risk factors, and types of stroke in children with SCD.
  • To emphasize the role of transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography in identifying at-risk children.
  • To analyze primary and secondary stroke prevention strategies in pediatric SCD based on evidence levels.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of published studies on stroke in pediatric SCD.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on pathophysiology, risk factors, and prevention.
  • Emphasis on transcranial Doppler ultrasonography for risk identification.
  • Evaluation of evidence for preventative and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Significant progress in understanding SCD stroke mechanisms and risk factors.
  • Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography is vital for early detection of at-risk children.
  • Evidence supports specific preventative and therapeutic strategies for stroke in pediatric SCD.
  • The roles of neurologists and neurosurgeons in managing SCD stroke are highlighted.

Conclusions:

  • Stroke remains a critical complication of SCD in children, necessitating proactive management.
  • Early identification via TCD and timely interventions significantly improve outcomes.
  • A multidisciplinary approach involving neurology and neurosurgery is essential for stroke prevention and treatment in pediatric SCD.

Related Concept Videos

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management01:23

Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management for a patient with arteriosclerosis involves a comprehensive approach focusing on lifestyle modification, disease monitoring, education, and symptomatic care. Here is an overview of effective nursing strategies:Assessment and Monitoring: Initial and ongoing assessments are crucial. Nurses must document the patient's medical history, including any hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other cardiovascular diseases. Assessments also cover family history and lifestyle...
Acute Kidney Injury VI: Nursing Management01:22

Acute Kidney Injury VI: Nursing Management

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) results in an inability to maintain fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. Effective nursing management is critical in improving patient outcomes and includes comprehensive patient assessment and targeted interventions.Comprehensive Patient AssessmentA detailed history collection is essential, focusing on any recent infections, nephrotoxic medication use, or chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes that may contribute to AKI. During the physical...
Stroke: Introduction and Types01:29

Stroke: Introduction and Types

A stroke is an acute neurological event caused by the sudden disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to rapid loss of neuronal function. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief interruptions can cause irreversible injury within minutes. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types.Ischemic StrokeIschemic strokes are most common and occur due to arterial occlusion, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to energy failure, ionic...