News

Researchers have provided more evidence of the accuracy of a recently developed gene-editing technique, showing that the method precisely induces site-specific DNA alterations in the genome. The study may have implications for gene therapy for conditions such as sickle cell anemia. The paper, “Genome-wide target specificities of CRISPR RNA-guided…

The inaugural World Cord Blood Day on Nov. 15 this year will educate parents and healthcare professionals about the current uses for cord blood transplants, a non-controversial source of stem cells which have the ability to treat more than 80 life-threatening diseases, including sickle cell anemia. To date, more…

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) may suffer from neuropathic pain, especially if they are 19 years or older, use hydroxyurea as an SCD treatment and show changes in their sensory capacity, a new study says. Researchers are calling for screenings of neuropathic pain because it may lead to faster, more…

Pfizer and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) are collaborating to increase awareness about sickle cell disease and to discuss the need for improved patient care, as well as the importance of clinical trials. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that…

Dietary intake of gum arabic (GA), a water-soluble, natural gum obtained from the acacia tree, seems to improve anti-oxidant defense in patients with sickle cell anemia, according to the results of a Phase II clinical trial. The study “Gum Arabic as novel anti-oxidant agent in sickle cell anemia, phase…

Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients may have a more rapid decline in kidney function, indicated by a marked decrease or increase in the kidney’s filtering capacity, according to recent research. The study, titled “9 Factors Related to the Progression of Sickle Cell Disease Nephropathy,” was presented at the American Society of…

Adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) who don’t regularly take the medication hydroxyurea (or who don’t adhere to prescribed instructions) are generally those with medication-taking barriers such as forgetfulness, lack of access, poor medication knowledge, fear of side effects, or doubts about the drug’s treatment, according to new research. Patients…

In an analysis of adults with sickle cell disease, researchers found evidence that transfusions with stored units of older blood were associated with higher rates of hospital admission due to infections. The study, “Older red cell units are associated with an increased incidence of infection in chronically transfused adults…

Individuals with sickle cell trait (SCT), a common hemoglobin gene variant in African-Americans, have an increased risk of developing kidney disease, new research shows. These findings may have important implications in genetic counseling for individuals with SCT. The study “Sickle Cell Trait and the Risk of ESRD in Blacks” appeared…

Clinical trial results show that Zepatier (elbasvir/grazoprevir) is highly effective against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in sickle cell disease patients and others with inherited blood disorders. The study with these findings, “Elbasvir/Grazoprevir for Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Inherited Blood Disorders: A Phase III Study,” was published in the journal…