Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026
A Precision Medicine Tool for Measurement and Monitoring of Hemoglobin S in Sickle Cell Disease Patients Receiving Transfusion Therapy
Transcranial Doppler screening of Medicaid-insured children with sickle cell disease
David G Bundy1, Michael T Abrams2, John J Strouse3
1Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
Insights
Informational letters did not improve stroke screening for children with sickle cell disease. More outreach is needed, as hematologist visits were linked to higher screening rates for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Hematology
- Public Health
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) poses a significant stroke risk in children.
- Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography is a proven method for stroke risk reduction in pediatric SCD.
- Low screening rates hinder the effectiveness of TCD in preventing strokes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of informational letters on TCD screening efficiency.
- To assess screening rates among Medicaid-insured children with SCD.
- To identify factors associated with improved TCD screening.
Main Methods:
- A study involving informational letters sent to parents and physicians of Medicaid-insured children with SCD.
- Analysis of baseline screening rates before and after letter distribution.
- Correlation analysis between hematologist visits and screening rates.
Main Results:
- Informational letters did not significantly improve TCD screening rates.
- Baseline screening rates remained low despite the intervention.
- Increased frequency of hematologist visits correlated with higher TCD screening rates.
Conclusions:
- Standard informational outreach is insufficient to improve TCD screening efficiency in pediatric SCD.
- More intensive and targeted interventions are necessary to increase screening rates.
- Collaboration with hematologists may enhance screening adherence and stroke prevention efforts.
Abstract:
Transcranial Doppler screening reduces the risk of stroke in children with sickle cell disease. We tested the effect of informational letters sent to parents and doctors of Medicaid-insured children on improving screening efficiency. The letters did not improve the low baseline screening rates, suggesting the need for more aggressive outreach. Hematologist visits were correlated with increased screening rates.
