Therapies to treat Sickle Cell Disease are Underutilized

Sickle cell disease is a life-threatening genetic disorder affecting almost a hundred thousand Americans. The disease is associated with severe pain and several chronic complications. A review of the medical literature identifies two treatments for sickle cell disease that are effective but underused. “Blood transfusions are an extremely important treatment for people with sickle cell disease either given a single time or on a monthly basis, long-term. Hydroxyurea is greatly effective in reducing pain and other complications and prolonging patients’ lives.” Dr. George Buchanan and a panel of experts spent 5 years reviewing more than 30 years of medical studies and trials on sickle cell disease. “Many doctors are unfamiliar with how to treat these events. When emergencies do occur having those physicians knowledgeable about sickle cell disease and familiar with the guidelines that are recommended will allow them to give better care to these patients.” This special communication appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association.