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Sickle cell disease (SCD) comes with an increased risk of health complications. Researchers have outlined steps the healthcare community can take to track and manage SCD.

Even in the 21st century, sickle cell disease (SCD) is still regarded as a condition affected by health inequities. In a recent article in the journal Pediatrics, authors talked about the many different steps that need to be taken right away to close these gaps in care.
First, health care systems should improve how they adhere to the guidelines. According to the 2014 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) guidelines, children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) should have annual transcranial doppler (TCD) ultrasound screenings and hydroxyurea therapy. However, a CDC study found that in 2019, TCD screening only occurred in 47% and 38% of patients aged 2โ€“9 and 10โ€“16 years, respectively. Also, only 38% and 53% of children with SCA aged 2โ€“9 and 10โ€“16 years, respectively, used hydroxyurea. This demonstrates the critical importance of establishing a national system for tracking TCD screening and hydroxyurea use.
Second, academic institutions can improve strategies for recruiting, training, and retaining SCD physicians. This will improve the integration of behavioral and medical care in order to better meet the needs of patients. Furthermore, fair reimbursement is required to cover the costs of providing comprehensive SCD care. New health insurance plans could also be made to reward compassionate care that lessens pain and organ damage.
Finally, better data resources are required. In 2015, the CDC launched the Sickle Cell Data Collection (SCDC) program in select states to accurately estimate prevalence and track healthcare situations. When enough good data is available, a “return on investment” of medical or social cost-effectiveness can be anticipated.
Collectively, working as a community to make good use of what we know, like guidelines, health care policy, and data resources, can lead to better care for SCD.
Source:
Hsu, L. L., Hooper, W. C., & Schieve, L. A. (2022). Prioritizing Sickle Cell Disease. Pediatrics. doi:10.1542/peds.2022-059491. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2022-059491

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