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Updated: Nov 28, 2025
A Precision Medicine Tool for Measurement and Monitoring of Hemoglobin S in Sickle Cell Disease Patients Receiving Transfusion Therapy
Changes in Care Delivery for Children With Sickle Cell Anemia During the COVID-19 Pandemic
M Laurence Noisette1, Shannon Phillips2, Alyssa M Schlenz3
1Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted pediatric sickle cell disease (SCD) care, impacting transcranial Doppler screening but maintaining chronic red cell transfusions. Telehealth use surged as centers adapted to new challenges.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Specialty care for pediatric sickle cell disease (SCD) faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The DISPLACE consortium, comprising 28 pediatric SCD centers, aimed to assess these disruptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on critical aspects of pediatric SCD care.
- To assess changes in transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound, chronic red cell transfusions, telehealth utilization, and COVID-19 testing.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered in May 2020 to providers within the DISPLACE consortium.
- The survey focused on the pandemic's effects on specific clinical practices and testing protocols.
Main Results:
- Twenty-four DISPLACE providers responded, indicating a decrease in TCD screening to 67%.
- Chronic red cell transfusion rates remained high at 96%, while telehealth adoption reached 92%.
- Approximately 40% of reporting providers had patients test positive for COVID-19.
Conclusions:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated significant practice modifications in pediatric SCD care.
- Routine care delivery was affected, highlighting the need for adaptive strategies in managing SCD during public health crises.
Background:
Specialty care for children with sickle cell disease (SCD) may be disrupted during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Our DISPLACE consortium includes 28 pediatric SCD centers.
Methods:
In May 2020, we surveyed the consortium on the impact of COVID-19 on their practice focusing on transcranial Doppler ultrasound, chronic red cell transfusions, telehealth, and COVID-19 testing.
Observation:
Twenty-four DISPLACE providers completed the survey. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound screening decreased to 67% but chronic red cell transfusions remained at 96%. Most investigators (92%) used telehealth and 40% of providers had patients test positive for COVID-19.
Conclusion:
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected routine care and necessitated changes in practice in SCD.
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