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Stroke in patients with sickle cell disease
Jennifer Webb1, Janet L Kwiatkowski
1Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Expert Review of Hematology
|June 21, 2013
Summary
Stroke significantly impacts sickle cell disease patients. While childhood stroke is reduced, silent cerebral infarcts remain a challenge, requiring further research into prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hematology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major cause of stroke in children and adults.
- Advances have reduced stroke incidence in children with SCD.
- Silent cerebral infarcts in SCD patients present ongoing challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on stroke epidemiology, risk factors, and pathophysiology in pediatric SCD.
- To discuss stroke presentation and acute management in SCD patients.
- To examine primary and secondary stroke prevention strategies and novel therapies for SCD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiology, risk factors, and pathophysiology of small and large vessel disease in pediatric SCD.
- Analysis of stroke presentation and acute management protocols.
- Review of current prevention guidelines and emerging research.
Main Results:
- Significant progress in identifying and treating at-risk children has lowered stroke incidence.
- Silent cerebral infarcts and large vessel disease management remain complex.
- Evidence-based recommendations for stroke prevention and treatment are evolving.
Conclusions:
- While childhood stroke in SCD has seen improvements, silent infarcts require further investigation.
- A comprehensive approach to stroke prevention and management in SCD is crucial.
- Ongoing research holds promise for new therapeutic strategies.
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