ASH Session Highlights Sickle Cell Disease, Malaria
At the 52nd Annual American Society of Hematology Meeting and Exposition in Orlando, FL, on Dec. 4, researchers discussed studies concerning how red blood cells impact sickle cell disease and malaria. The red blood cells have a huge impact on the quality of life of patients with the disease.
However, research has found new transfusion therapy alternatives and genetic predictors for sickle cell-related stroke in children.
"Research that looks for innovative ways to predict stroke risk and provides evidence for effective intervention for children affected with sickle cell disease will always be important, as this disease affects a significant number of children," said Alexis Thompson, MD, MPH, director of Hematology Services at Children's Memorial Hospital, and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago. "Furthermore, it is very exciting to know that we are closing in on the day when we will be able to control the transmission of malaria."