Advances in Sickle Cell Disease
Program Code: 107-S
Saturday, October 15, 2005
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (ET)

MODERATOR
Lori Styles, MD, Childrens Hospital Oakland

SPEAKERS
Carolyn Hoppe, MD, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland
Keith Quirolo, MD, Children's Hospital and Research Center Oakland
Samir Ballas, MD, Thomas Jefferson University

DESCRIPTION
Sickle cell disease is a common inherited condition that affects a largely African-American population. These patients often receive blood products but the proper use of transfusions continues to be refined. Recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease, particularly in stroke and pain events, will likely change the indications for red cell transfusion in these patients. This session will begin with an overview of the use of transfusions and other therapies in patients with sickle cell disease and especially those who are at risk for stroke by virtue of an abnormal transcranial Doppler examination. The focus will then turn to recent advances in our understanding of pain events and an exploration of new avenues for research and therapy. Lastly, discussion will focus on the exciting new area of preventing stroke in sickle cell anemia by utilizing genetic testing to determine which patients ar
e at risk.