Articles tagged with Sickle Cell Anemia
A new study found that daily pain is far more prevalent and severe than previously thought in adults with sickle cell disease. Over half of the patients reported having pain on most days, with nearly one-third experiencing pain nearly every day.
A Phase II study found that blood transfusion therapy helped shrink brain lesions caused by silent strokes in children with sickle cell disease. The therapy eliminated one lesion completely and showed no new silent strokes after two years. Researchers hope to preserve cognitive function in these children through prolonged transfusions.
Researchers discover that lenalidomide and pomalidomide can increase fetal hemoglobin production in people with sickle-cell disease, potentially providing a new therapy. These findings also suggest the possibility of using these drugs to treat other beta-hemoglobinopathies.
A small study found that eptifibatide, an intravenous blood thinner, appears to be well-tolerated in sickle cell patients and shows potential benefits in reducing inflammation. The results suggest that the drug may have anti-inflammatory effects without causing harm to these patients.
Researchers developed a predictive model using Bayesian network modeling to estimate sickle cell disease severity and predict mortality risk. The model identified laboratory markers and clinical events contributing to the risk of death, providing a personalized disease severity score for therapeutic decisions.
A vaccine introduced in 2000 has significantly reduced the rate of a serious bacterial illness among young children with sickle cell disease (SCD) in the US. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has dropped the rate by over 90% among children under 5 years old.
A nationally representative study of over 2,000 people aged 65+ found snacking is crucial to ensure adequate calorie consumption. Researchers also discovered poor dietary intakes among children with sickle cell disease, including low vitamin and mineral levels.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique to capture the movement of white blood cells in real-time, allowing for a better understanding of Sickle Cell disease. The technique, called digital multi-channel videomicroscopy, has the potential to aid investigations and develop therapeutics for this debilitating disease.
Children with sickle cell disease who experienced major complications such as pain and lung disease early in life are not at greater risk for stroke or death during later childhood, according to new research. Children hospitalized for chest problems early on are more likely to see those problems recur up to adulthood.
Researchers at VCU have developed a unique anti-sickling agent called 5-HMF, which has shown promise in treating sickle cell disease by increasing the oxygen affinity of both normal and sickle hemoglobin. This breakthrough could lead to new drug treatments for the debilitating genetic blood disorder.
A hormone called BNP detects pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell disease patients and predicts mortality. High BNP levels correlate with greater pressure in pulmonary arteries and increased risk of death.
Researchers found that inhibiting the enzyme activity of HO-1, a protein thought to be protective, actually reduces kidney injury in sickle cell disease. A new compound, tin protoporphyrin, blocks HO-1 activity and protects SCD kidneys from damage.
A recent study found that elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels can define a subgroup of sickle cell patients at risk for serious complications such as pulmonary hypertension and leg ulcerations. Patients with high LDH values had reduced survival rates compared to those with lower LDH values.
A recent study found that stopping regular blood transfusions in children with sickle cell disease who are at risk for a stroke means their stroke risk likely returns. The study, which involved 41 children, showed that within a few months of halting transfusion, 14 children resumed at-risk status and two had strokes.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia have found that inhaling nitric oxide gas can help normalize a sickle cell patient's hemoglobin by restoring its natural charge and shape. This may prevent unhealthy clustering of hemoglobin S molecules and improve oxygen delivery to the body.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.