Structural and functional changes in arteries are increasingly being recognized as significant features of sickle cell disease. This study aims to determine whether there are differences in arterial function parameters between children with sickle cell disease with normal and abnormal transcranial Doppler velocity. After informed consent is obtained, participants will have vascular, Transcranial Doppler, haematological and biochemical parameters measured. Researchers will compare children with sickle cell disease who have normal Transcranial Doppler velocity and no history of stroke with children with those who have an abnormal Transcranial Doppler velocity with or without a history of stroke to see if there are significant differences in arterial function parameters.
Pediatric participants with sickle cell anaemia (HbSS, HbSβ0 thalassemia, HbSD, HbSOArab)
Age: Between 4-16 years of age, at the time of enrolment
Has had at least one complete TCD study whether or not on hydroxyurea treatment or in a clinical trial.
Parent or guardian willing and able to provide informed consent and child gives assent
Patients in whom a TCD study cannot be completed
Patients who have had an Erythrocyte transfusion in the past two months
Patients who are acutely ill or have had an acute infection in the past two weeks
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Jamaica