News

Hematologists-oncologists who specialize in sickle cell disease (SCD) report higher levels of burnout than those not specializing in SCD, even though no differences in grit and resilience were found between the two groups, according to a nationwide U.S. study. The study surveyed more than 150 hematology-oncology doctors, who are…

In the U.S., having sickle cell disease (SCD) continues to place a heavy clinical burden on patients, who often require multiple medications, frequent blood transfusions, and the use of opioids to control pain. Most individuals with SCD report high barriers to healthcare, with poor access to treatments and little…

Newborns with sickle cell trait (SCT), meaning they carry a mutation in one copy of the HBB gene but do not have sickle cell disease (SCD), show abnormalities in certain biological markers that can be detected within the first week after birth, a new study reports. Differences were found in markers…

A blood test measuring levels of the protein cystatin C may provide a more reliable way to monitor for kidney problems in children and young adults with sickle cell disease (SCD), a small study suggests. Data showed that commonly used formulas based on creatinine-to-protein ratio, a well-established kidney…

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are about seven times more likely to have asthma than their unaffected siblings, with odds increasing with age, according to a study in the U.S. These findings highlight the importance of more frequent screening to protect the lungs and prevent asthma-related complications in…

A high dose of pociredir, Fulcrum Therapeutics’ oral drug candidate for sickle cell disease (SCD), boosted fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels and reduced red blood cell destruction — thereby easing symptoms of anemia — in a small group of patients with the blood disorder. These are the latest results…

Most women and girls with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience disease-related pain during menstrual periods, but many are unaware that medical treatments — such as birth control pills — may help alleviate period-related pain in SCD, according to a new study by U.S. researchers. Based on these findings, the…

As they shift from pediatric to adult care, young adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) appear to visit the emergency room more often and be prescribed less hydroxyurea, a preventive treatment approved to reduce the frequency of painful crises, according to a study in the U.S. Data also…

A small clinical trial testing Agios Pharmaceuticals’ oral therapy candidate tebapivat against a placebo for easing symptoms in people with sickle cell disease (SCD) has completed enrollment, the company announced. Agios expects to report early results from the Phase 2 trial later this year, according to a…

Differences in the stiffness of red blood cells may help to explain variations in the severity of sickle cell disease (SCD), according to a new study. The findings shed new light on the physics that govern the flow of deformed blood cells through vessels. Researchers found that stiff cells…