Is Sickle Cell Really a Risk Factor for Stroke?

MedicalResearch.com Interview with :

Dr. Hyacinth I Hyacinth MD Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Center, Emory Children’s Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, GA 30322

Dr. Hyacinth

Dr. Hyacinth I Hyacinth MD
Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Center, Emory Children’s Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA 30322

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

This study was conducted against the backdrop of a significantly higher risk for stroke among African Americans compared to non-Hispanic Whites, despite adjusting for traditional risk factors. Also, sickle cell disease is a well-known genetic risk factor for stroke and recent studies show that sickle cell trait is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease, venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism, all of which are potential risk factors for stroke.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

MedicalResearch.com: Sickle cell trait is a not an independent risk factor for increased risk of stroke?

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your study?

MedicalResearch.com: If you or someone with sickle cell trait has a stroke, it is very unlikely that sickle cell trait is the only risk factor. Effort should be made to look for other risk factors.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for study?

MedicalResearch.com: Future research should examine the stroke subtypes and also stroke in younger individuals (less than 45 years).

No disclosures

Citation:

Association of Sickle Cell Trait With Ischemic Stroke Among African Americans
A Meta-analysis
Hyacinth I. Hyacinth, MD, PhD, MPH1; Cara L. Carty, PhD2; Samantha R. Seals, PhD3; et al
JAMA NEUROLOGY
Published Online: April 23, 2018.
doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2018.0571

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Last Updated on May 1, 2018 by Marie Benz MD FAAD