Adult sickle cell drug proves effective in young children
A new study shows that hydroxyurea is an efficient and safe treatment option for young children with sickle cell anemia, improving spleen function and reducing acute chest syndrome incidents
Sickle Cell Anemia
Articles tagged with Sickle Cell Anemia
Children's Hospital Oakland new sickle cell research
A four-year study published in JAMA found that patients with sickle cell disease who had low arginine levels were at a higher risk of death from pulmonary hypertension. The researchers hope to develop new treatments using nutritional supplements or drug therapies to increase arginine availability.
Oral liquid hydroxyurea promising for long-term use in babies with sickle cell anemia
The extension study found that oral liquid hydroxyurea was well-tolerated in babies and worked similarly to older children, increasing fetal hemoglobin levels and preventing sickle cell complications. The treatment may also improve quality of life for patients with sickle cell anemia, especially in underprivileged areas.
Sickle cell and protection against malaria
Researchers have found that carrying the sickle cell gene provides partial protection against malaria, increasing to 60% in childhood before declining. The study suggests an immune component to this protection and may offer insights into developing an effective vaccine.
Discovery promises simpler therapy for sickle cell disease
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that an inability of red blood cells to relax blood vessels through the release of nitric oxide is a major factor behind sickle cell disease symptoms. Restoring nitric oxide to blood cells may serve as a useful method for treating the disease.
NHLBI stops sickle cell anemia transfusion study
The NHLBI halted a clinical trial on periodic blood transfusions for patients with sickle cell anemia due to the treatment's proven effectiveness in preventing strokes. However, the trial also highlighted potential long-term side effects such as iron overload and the need for ongoing monitoring.
Ongoing transfusions needed to avoid strokes in children with sickle cell disease
A recent study has shown that children with sickle cell disease who are at risk for having a stroke need to continue receiving transfusions to minimize their risk. The study found that of the 41 children who came off transfusions, 14 reverted to high-risk status within 10 months and two others had strokes shortly after.
UNC scientists identify sticky protein in sickle cell red blood cells
Researchers found that Alpha-4Beta-1 is activated by CD47, causing sickle red blood cells to stick to blood vessel walls. This discovery may lead to new therapies for sickle cell disease and other anemias.
Vanilla may have a future in sickle cell treatment
Researchers have developed a variant of vanillin that can treat sickle cell disease, a condition that causes red blood cells to form the hazardous sickle shape. The compound, MX-1520, was tested in mice and found to inhibit the formation of rigid sickled cells, offering hope for safer and more effective treatment options.
Study suggests stroke-prevention strategy for kids pioneered at MCG is working
A new study suggests that a stroke-prevention strategy for kids pioneered at MCG is working. The program, which involves regular blood transfusions and screening using transcranial Doppler, has led to an 80% decline in strokes among California children with sickle cell disease.
New therapeutic approach for sickle cell disease
Researchers have developed a novel approach to modify alpha globin, potentially providing more effective treatments for sickle cell disease. Genetically engineered mice with the disease showed improved blood counts and extended lifespan after producing zeta globin.
Sickle cell sufferers living longer, dying less from their disease
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that children with sickle cell disease are now living up to 18 years longer than comparable statistics from 30 years ago. Modern treatments, including prophylactic penicillin and hydroxyurea, have significantly improved survival rates.
High blood pressure in the lungs a major risk for death in adults with sickle cell disease
Researchers found that pulmonary hypertension, a complication of sickle cell disease, causes significant mortality in adults. A study of 195 patients revealed that up to 40% of those with the condition developed high blood pressure in their lungs, leading to premature death.
Passive tobacco smoke increases complications in children with sickle cell disease
Researchers found that exposure to passive tobacco smoke increased the risk of sickle cell crisis by 90 percent and was not influenced by other factors. Removing passive tobacco smoke from the home may reduce suffering and medical care costs for children with sickle cell disease.
Drug holds promise as an alternative for sickle cell patients unable to tolerate standard treatment
Decitabine, an antimetabolite drug, has been found to improve fetal hemoglobin levels and reduce symptoms in patients with sickle cell disease who are resistant or intolerant of hydroxyurea. The study suggests that decitabine could be a viable alternative therapy for these patients.
Children with sickle cell anemia often don't receive antibiotics to prevent deadly infections
A study of children with Medicaid insurance found that they received antibiotics for only 41% of the year, despite being at risk for nearly 60% of the time. The lack of antibiotic use puts these children at high risk of developing serious infections and sometimes dying.
American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for July 2003 (first issue)
Researchers published studies on new treatments for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), a potential new treatment for pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell patients using oral arginine, and the benefits of noninvasive ventilation. Early removal of breathing tubes, combined with noninvasive ventilation, significantly reduced hospi...
Hydroxyurea therapy improves survival in most severely affected sickle cell patients
A long-term study of 299 adult sickle cell patients found that hydroxyurea treatment improved survival by increasing fetal hemoglobin and reducing severe pain episodes and chest syndrome. The results confirm the benefits of hydroxyurea in reducing complications in the sickest patients.
St. Jude to receive multi-million dollar grant for sickle cell program
The grant will support five local projects focusing on stem cell transplantation, pneumococcal infection, combination drug therapy, gene therapy, and molecular biology of hemoglobin development. St. Jude sickle cell patients will have more opportunities for new therapies and participation in groundbreaking clinical trials.
UT Southwestern and U.T. Dallas win NIH grant to establish first sickle cell center in Southwest
The UT Southwestern and U.T. Dallas are receiving a $8 million NIH grant to establish the first national clinical trials network for Sickle Cell Disease. The center will focus on treatment and research initiatives to improve patient outcomes.
Cancer drug proves effective in treating sickle cell disease
Decitabine has been shown to be effective in treating patients who don't respond to traditional treatment, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. The study found that decitabine works by increasing fetal hemoglobin production, which can help alleviate the severity of sickle cell symptoms.
American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for May (first issue)
Research finds that infants with flow limitation in breathing may be more likely to develop asthma, while rhinovirus infection increases disease severity in acute bronchiolitis, and exercise can be safely done by women with sickle cell anemia
New findings could lead to innovative treatment technologies for patients with sickle cell
Researchers discovered that heparin inhibits the adhesion of sickle red blood cells to P-selectin on blood vessel walls, preventing blockages and organ damage. The study suggests that oral heparin preparations may provide a convenient and safe treatment option for patients with sickle cell disease.
Growth benefits of zinc in children with sickle cell disease
A study of 38 children with sickle cell disease found that zinc supplementation significantly increased rates of growth in height and sitting height after 12 months. The treatment reversed growth deficits and delayed development, unlike the control group which showed gradual growth failure characteristic of SCD.
Common variation of 'klotho' gene associated with human life expectancy
A recent study found that having two copies of a less-common version of the klotho gene is linked to a shorter lifespan in infants, while one copy may be associated with a longer life in older adults. The researchers also discovered that the variant is relatively common across different ethnic populations.
Scientists use gene therapy to correct sickle cell disease in mice
Scientists have successfully corrected sickle cell disease in mice using gene therapy by introducing an anti-sickling human beta-hemoglobin gene. The study, supported by the NHLBI, shows promising results with high expression of the gene in up to 99% of circulating red blood cells.
Gene therapy corrects sickle cell disease in mice, Science authors report
A new gene therapy method has successfully corrected sickle cell disease in mice by transferring an anti-sickling gene to bone marrow, preventing the formation of deformed red blood cells. The therapy, developed using a viral delivery system, resulted in up to 99% expression of the new gene in circulating red blood cells.
Blood drug may decrease painful crises in children with sickle cell disease, study shows
Researchers found that PP-188 reduced crisis time by nine hours and crisis duration by 16 hours in patients taking hydroxyurea. In children under 15, the reduction was even more significant at 21 hours.
Research shows compound reduces length of painful sickle cell ‘crises’
Researchers found that compound PP188 shortened crisis duration, particularly in patients taking hydroxyurea and children. The study showed a significant reduction in pain disappearance within a week for those treated with PP188 compared to placebo.
UC researchers have discovered novel cell adhesion mechanism that may lead to improved treatment for sickle cell disease
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism that triggers blood cell adhesion in sickle cell disease, with P-selectin playing a key role. Inhibiting P-selectin has shown promise in reducing adhesion and potentially preventing pain crises and organ failure.
UF pilot study shows massage, relaxation reduce sickle cell anemia pain
A UF pilot study shows that massage and relaxation techniques can safely and effectively reduce pain, tension, and fatigue in patients with sickle cell anemia. The treatments improved blood flow and reduced muscle tension, providing relief from debilitating episodes of severe pain.
New national study shows infection, fat embolism important contributors to sickle cell disease deaths
A new national study found that unusual infections and fat emboli contribute significantly to acute chest syndrome in sickle cell disease patients. The syndrome is the leading cause of death among sickle cell patients, and earlier diagnosis and treatment may save many lives.
Duke Researchers Call Gene Therapy A Promising Strategy For Sickle Cell Anemia
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have shown that a new type of gene therapy can correct the defect in human blood cells, potentially providing a treatment for sickle cell anemia. The therapy uses ribozymes to edit defective RNA and could lead to a significant reduction in disease symptoms.
Nitric Oxide Gas May Treat, Prevent Sickle Cell Crisis
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered that inhaled nitric oxide can reduce formation of sickle cells in patients with sickle cell disease, potentially interrupting crises. The treatment approach could lead to long-term, outpatient care for affected individuals.
Bone Marrow Transplantation Can Provide Cure For Sickle Cell Disease, NHLBI Study Shows
A new study by the NHLBI shows that bone marrow transplantation can provide a cure for young patients with sickle cell disease who have a matched sibling. The procedure has an overall survival rate of 90% and successfully transplanted 73% of participants, free from sickle cell disease.