1.Topic: Sickle Cell Disease & COVID-19 Vaccines: What You Need To Know
Meeting Recording: https://bit.ly/SCD_andCovid19_Vaccines
2.Topic: GASCDO: Hydroxyurea & New Innovative Therapies for Sickle Cell Disease
Meeting Recording: https://bit.ly/therapies_for_SCD
3.Topic: GASCDO: The Global Management of Sickle Cell Disease – The Future of Care
Meeting Recording: https://bit.ly/TheFutureOfCare
4.Topic: GASCDO: Management of Pain In Sickle Cell Disease
Meeting Recording: https://bit.ly/ManagementOfPain_in_SCD
5.Topic: The State of Clinical Trials in the Management of Sickle Cell Disease
Meeting Recording: https://bit.ly/StateOfClinicalTrials_inSCD
6.Topic: Collaboration as the basis for successful research in hemoglobinopathies
Meeting Recording: https://bit.ly/CollaborationastheBasisForSuccessfulResearch_InHemoglobinopathies
7.Topic: Collaboration as the basis for successful research in hemoglobinopathies
Meeting Recording: https://bit.ly/CollaborationAsTheBasisForSuccessfulResearch
8.Topic: Emerging Novel Treatments in Sickle Cell Disease
Meeting Recording: https://bit.ly/NovelTreatmentIn_SCD
9.Topic: Transfusion and Blood Donation in Sickle Cell Disease
Meeting Recording: https://bit.ly/TransfusionAndBloodDonationIn_SCD
10.Topic: The Kidneys in Sickle Cell Disease
Meeting Recording: https://bit.ly/TheKidneyIn_SCD
Hydroxyurea in Sickle Cell Disease
Hydroxyurea, the first FDA-approved drug for sickle cell disease (SCD), has transformed care since the 1990s. Originally a cancer drug, it was found to boost fetal hemoglobin (HbF), reducing sickling of red blood cells. Key milestones include its 1998 FDA approval for adults, expanded use in children by 2010, and WHO Essential Medicine status in 2017.
Benefits:– Reduces pain crises, acute chest syndrome, and stroke risk.- Lowers need for blood transfusions.
– Improves quality of life with fewer hospitalizations.
Risks:– Bone marrow suppression (requires regular blood monitoring).- Mild side effects like nausea or skin darkening.
– Potential fertility concerns in males (under study).
Treatment:– Available as capsules (500mg/1g) or liquid for children.- Dosing starts at 15-20 mg/kg/day, adjusted via lab tests.
– Recommended for infants (9+ months), adults with severe symptoms, and high-risk patients.
While life-changing, hydroxyurea isn’t a cure. Many patients still face complications, and some don’t respond well. Advocacy groups like GASCDO stress the urgent need for more research and therapies targeting SCD’s root causes and complications.
What is Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS)?
Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS) is a life-threatening complication of sickle cell disease (SCD) caused by blocked blood flow in the lungs (due to sickled cells) or lung damage from infection/inflammation.
Key Symptoms– Respiratory distress: Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain.
– Fever and cough (with or without mucus).
– Severe chest or abdominal pain.
– Risk Factors
– Respiratory infections (e.g., pneumonia).
– Acute pain crises.
– Severe anemia.
– Management
– Act immediately: Recognize symptoms and seek emergency care.
– Hospital treatment: Oxygen therapy, antibiotics, pain relief, and blood transfusions.
– Hospitalization for close monitoring.
Prevention– Stay updated on vaccinations (e.g., flu, pneumococcal).
– Maintain hydration and manage SCD crises proactively.