ScienceDaily: Sickle Cell Anemia News

Could an old antidepressant treat sickle cell disease?

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:32:32 EST

An antidepressant drug used since the 1960s may also hold promise for treating sickle cell disease, according to a surprising new finding made in mice and human red blood cells by a team has spent more than three decades studying the basic biology of the condition.

Sickle cells show potential to attack aggressive cancer tumors

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 18:58:58 EST

By harnessing the very qualities that make sickle cell disease a lethal blood disorder, a research team has developed a way to deploy the misshapen red blood cells to fight cancer tumors.

Into adulthood, sickle cell patients rely on ER

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:21:21 EST

Patients with sickle cell disease rely more on the emergency room as they move from pediatric to adult health care, according to researchers.

Loss of essential blood cell gene leads to anemia

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 13:29:29 EST

Researchers have discovered a new gene that regulates hemoglobin synthesis during red blood cell formation.

Sickle cell anemia: Maps and newborn estimates released

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:01:01 EDT

In 2010 around 300,000 babies were born with sickle cell anemia, a serious blood disorder which can be fatal if untreated, and 5.5 million newborns inherited the sickle cell gene, a new study suggests.

Sickle cell disease: Physics explains how sickling cells make people sick

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 13:15:15 EDT

Researchers have identified the physical forces in red blood cells and blood vessels underlying the painful symptoms of sickle cell disease. Their experiment, the first to answer a scientific question about sickle cell disease using microfluidics engineering methods, may help future researchers better determine who is at greatest risk of harm from the disease.

Anemia negatively impacts heart surgery outcomes, study finds

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 16:12:12 EDT

Anemia is now confirmed as a risk factor for illness and even death following cardiac surgery, according to a new study. Although preoperative anemia has been linked to adverse events in other types of surgery, this is the first study to tie preoperative anemia with postoperative complications, including death, for all types of heart surgery.

'Half-match' bone marrow transplants wipe out sickle cell disease in selected patients

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:46:46 EDT

In a preliminary clinical trial, investigators have shown that even partially-matched bone marrow transplants can eliminate sickle cell disease in some patients, ridding them of painful and debilitating symptoms, and the need for a lifetime of pain medications and blood transfusions. The researchers say the use of such marrow could potentially help make bone marrow transplants accessible to a majority of sickle cell patients who need them.

Parents of babies with sickle cell trait are less likely to receive genetic counseling

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 12:49:49 EDT

Parents of newborns with the sickle cell anemia trait were less likely to receive genetic counseling than parents whose babies are cystic fibrosis carriers, a new study shows.

Rare genetic disease offers insight into common cancers

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 17:09:09 EDT

Fanconi anemia is a rare genetic condition in which cells lose the ability to repair DNA. Fanconi cells are super-sensitive to a common class of cancer drugs, nixing their use. A new study explores resveratrol as chemopreventive in Fanconi anemia patients.

Intervention helps children with sickle cell disease complete MRI tests without sedation

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 12:36:36 EDT

Researchers report success using a targeted educational approach to teach young sickle cell disease patients to remain motionless during MRI scans, making the process safer.

Genetic material in blood cells may affect malaria parasites

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 12:13:13 EDT

Researchers may finally have discovered why people with sickle cell disease get milder cases of malaria than individuals who have normal red blood cells. In a finding that has eluded scientists for years, the researchers discovered that genetic material in red blood cells may help alter parasite activity via a novel mechanism that alters parasite gene regulation.

Platelet drug shows clinical benefits for severe, unresponsive aplastic anemia

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 13:38:38 EDT

Eltrombopag, a drug that was designed to stimulate production of platelets from the bone marrow and thereby improve blood clotting, can raise blood cell levels in some people with severe aplastic anemia who have failed all standard therapies. The findings of this new clinical study suggest eltrombopag could be a second-line therapeutic option for this disease.

Chicago woman cured of sickle cell disease

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:47:47 EDT

A Chicago woman is the first Midwest patient to receive a successful stem cell transplant to cure her sickle cell disease without chemotherapy in preparation for the transplant.

Manipulating chromatin loops to regulate genes may offer future treatments for blood diseases

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:16:16 EDT

In exploring how proteins interact with crucial DNA sequences to regulate gene activity, researchers have shed light on chromatin looping, key biological events that may eventually be manipulated to provide new disease treatments.

New gene therapy approach developed for red blood cell disorders

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 21:57:57 EDT

Scientists have designed what appears to be a powerful gene therapy strategy that can treat both beta-thalassemia disease and sickle cell anemia. They have also developed a test to predict patient response before treatment.

Sickle cell anemia stroke prevention efforts may have decreased racial disparities

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:46:46 EST

The disparity in stroke-related deaths among black and white children dramatically narrowed after prevention strategies changed to include ultrasound screening and chronic blood transfusions for children with sickle cell anemia, according to new research.

Anemia may more than triple your risk of dying after a stroke

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:45:45 EST

Being anemic could more than triple your risk of dying within a year after having a stroke, according to new research.

Chemists unlock potential target for drug development

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:39:39 EST

A receptor found on blood platelets whose importance as a potential pharmaceutical target has long been questioned may in fact be fruitful in drug testing, according to new research.

Fixing common blood disorder would make kidney transplants more successful

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:50:50 EST

Correcting anemia, a red blood cell deficiency, can preserve kidney function in many kidney transplant recipients, according to a new study.

Immunological defense mechanism leaves malaria patients vulnerable to deadly infection

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 15:02:02 EST

The link between malaria and Salmonella infections has been explained for the first time, opening the way to more effective treatments.

NCAA mandatory sickle cell screening program not enough to save athletes' lives, study finds

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:10:10 EST

In response to a lawsuit after a college football player died from complications due to sickle cell trait (SCT) during a workout, the NCAA implemented mandatory SCT screening of all Division I student-athletes. A new study evaluated the impact of that policy and found that testing alone will help identify more than 2,000 athletes with SCT, but warns that screening alone will not prevent death.

Safe way to repair sickle cell disease genes, study suggests

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:57:57 EST

Researchers have developed a way to use patients' own cells to potentially cure sickle cell disease and many other disorders caused by mutations in a gene that helps produce blood hemoglobin.

Protection from severe malaria explained

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:30:30 EST

Why do people with a hereditary mutation of the red blood pigment hemoglobin (as is the case with sickle-cell anemia prevalent in Africa) not contract severe malaria? Scientists have now solved this mystery.

'Silent' stroke risk factors for children with sickle cell anemia

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:12:12 EST

Factors such as low hemoglobin levels, increased systolic blood pressure, and male gender are linked to a higher risk of silent cerebral infarcts, or silent strokes, in children with sickle cell anemia, according to results from a large, first-of-its-kind study.

Potential treatment for sickle cell disease

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:28:28 EDT

Few options are available to prevent the painful episodes and organ damage that are common with sickle cell disease. But a new lab study has revealed a key trigger for producing healthy red blood cells that could lead to new treatments for sickle cell patients.

Using math and light to detect misshapen red blood cells

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:12:12 EDT

Researchers have pioneered a technique that will allow doctors to ascertain the healthy shape of red blood cells in just a few seconds, by analyzing the light scattered off hundreds of cells at a time.

Researchers correct sickle cell disease in adult mice: Protein could be a target for treating people who have the blood disorder

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:18:18 EDT

Scientists have corrected sickle cell disease in adult laboratory mice by activating production of a special blood component normally produced before, but not after, birth.

Deactivating a single protein corrects sickle cell disease in mice

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:18:18 EDT

Flipping a single molecular switch can reverse illness in a model of sickle cell disease, according to a new study. When turned off, the switch, a protein called BCL11A, allows the body to manufacture red blood cells with an alternate form of hemoglobin unaffected by the mutation that causes the disease.

Reversing sickle cell anemia by turning on fetal hemoglobin

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:18:18 EDT

New research shows it's possible to reactivate production of fetal hemoglobin production in adult mice and effectively reverse sickle cell disease. The new studies show that interfering with a single protein "target" can provide enough fetal hemoglobin to improve symptoms of sickle cell anemia.

Correcting sickle cell disease with stem cells

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:04:04 EDT

Using a patient's own stem cells, researchers have corrected the genetic alteration that causes sickle cell disease, a painful, disabling inherited blood disorder that affects mostly African-Americans. The corrected stem cells were coaxed into immature red blood cells in a test tube that then turned on a normal version of the gene.

Sickle cell trait is not risk factor for kidney disease: Study contradicts earlier findings

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:44:44 EDT

Researchers report that sickle cell trait is not a risk factor for the development of severe kidney disease in African-Americans. The study contradicts findings from a 2010 study that first suggested that having one copy of the sickle cell gene was a kidney disease risk factor.

Malaria prevention strategies could substantially cut killer bacterial infections, study suggests

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:16:16 EDT

Interventions targeting malaria, such as insecticide-treated bed nets, antimalarial drugs and mosquito control, could substantially reduce cases of bacteraemia, which kill hundreds of thousands of children each year in Africa and worldwide.

Researchers developing blood test to improve diagnosis of sickle cell disease in babies

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:51:51 EDT

A new blood test being developed by researchers in the UK could, for the first time, help identify babies at risk of a severe form of sickle cell disease, allowing immediate and more intensive treatment to be given.

Schools failing pupils with sickle cell disease, U.K. study suggests

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:55:55 EDT

A new study suggests young people with a serious genetic blood disorder are not getting the right help at school, especially pupils who miss lessons due to sickness.

Thalidomide analog appears worthy opponent of sickle cell disease

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:14:14 EDT

A thalidomide analog is shaping up as a safe, worthy opponent of sickle cell disease, researchers report.

Sickle cell anemia drug safe and effective for infants and toddlers, adds treatment option, study suggests

Thu, 12 May 2011 21:45:45 EDT

New research shows a drug commonly used to treat sickle cell anemia in adults reduces bouts of acute pain and a pneumonia-like illness, cuts hospitalization time and eases other symptoms of the disease in young patients. Results of the randomized, double-blind trial mark a dramatic advance in treatment of children with the inherited blood disorder.

Nitric oxide impacts source of sickle cell pain crisis, study suggests

Mon, 09 May 2011 16:17:17 EDT

Nitric oxide gas appears to directly impact the source of the classic, disabling pain crises of sickle cell disease, researchers report.

Low vitamin D in kids may play a role in anemia

Sun, 01 May 2011 19:51:51 EDT

Pediatricians have discovered a link between low levels of vitamin D and anemia in children.

Mystery solved: How sickle hemoglobin protects against malaria

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:39:39 EDT

A new article is likely to help solve one of the long-standing mysteries of biomedicine. In a study that challenges currently held views, researchers unravel the molecular mechanism whereby sickle cell hemoglobin confers a survival advantage against malaria, the disease caused by Plasmodium infection. These findings open the way to new therapeutic interventions against malaria, a disease that continues to inflict tremendous medical, social and economic burdens to a large proportion of the human population.

Young black athletes with sickle cell trait might be susceptible to sudden death

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 09:02:02 EDT

The sickle cell trait could be a cause -- albeit rare -- of sudden death in young African-American competitive athletes, most commonly during football training, according to new research.

Patients with severe non-inflammatory respiratory disease face anemia risk

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EDT

A study of nearly 600 patients with severe non-inflammatory respiratory disease has found that a significant percentage (13%) also suffered from anemia. The links between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and anemia are already well known, but this study also shows that anemia is frequently found in patients with severe non-inflammatory respiratory diseases, say the authors. Overall, patients were more likely to have anemia if they were older, had a number of other health problems and poor nutrition.

Asthma through the eyes of a medical anthropologist

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:24:24 EST

Asthma diagnosis and management vary dramatically around the world, according to experts.

Researchers model fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switching: Important step towards cure for blood diseases

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:05:05 EST

Researchers have engineered mice that model the switch from fetal to adult hemoglobin, an important step towards curing genetic blood diseases such as sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia.

Acute anemia linked to silent strokes in children

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:39:39 EST

Silent strokes, which have no immediate symptoms but could cause long-term cognitive and learning deficits, occur in a significant number of severely anemic children, especially those with sickle cell disease, according to newly presented research.

Compound may prevent sickle cell pain crises

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:09:09 EST

A new compound appears to prevent the traffic jam of cells that causes debilitating pain crises and associated mortality in sickle cell disease, researchers report.

Two studies provide insight into stroke risk and prevention in young sickle cell anemia patients

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 11:15:15 EST

Monthly blood transfusions combined with daily medication to remove the resulting excess iron remains the best approach for reducing the risk of recurrent strokes in young patients with sickle cell anemia, according to a preliminary analysis of a multicenter trial.

Studies investigate pediatric sickle cell disease and potential breakthrough in controlling malaria

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 09:37:37 EST

New research highlights studies on transfusion therapy alternatives and genetic predictors for sickle cell-related stroke in children, the use of hydroxyurea therapy to reduce mortality in pediatric SCD patients, and a potential breakthrough that may inhibit the transmission of malaria causing viruses.

Global map of the sickle cell gene supports 'malaria hypothesis'

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:01:01 EDT

At a global scale, the sickle cell gene is most commonly found in areas with historically high levels of malaria, adding geographical support to the hypothesis that the gene, while potentially deadly, avoids disappearing through natural selection by providing protection against malaria.

Inhaling nitric oxide eases pain crises in sickle cell patients, researchers find

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 12:17:17 EDT

Inhaling nitric oxide appears to safely and effectively reduce pain crises in adults with sickle cell disease, researchers report. A study of 18 patients in Atlanta, Chicago and Detroit showed that the nine inhaling nitric oxide for four hours had better pain control than those receiving only the standard self-administered morphine.

Shorter biological marker length in aplastic anemia patients linked to higher relapse, death rates

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:37:37 EDT

Among patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy for severe aplastic anemia (a condition in which the bone marrow is unable to produce blood cells), the length of telomeres (chromosome markers of biological aging) was not related to the response to treatment but was associated with a higher rate of relapse (return to low blood cell counts) and lower overall survival, according to a new study.

New sickle cell screening program for college athletes comes with serious pitfalls, experts say

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:11:11 EDT

A leading pediatrician is urging a "rethink" of a new sickle cell screening program, calling it an enlightened but somewhat rushed step toward improving the health of young people who carry the sickle cell mutation.

Evolution may have pushed humans toward greater risk for type 1 diabetes

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:16:16 EDT

Gene variants associated with an increased risk for type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis may confer previously unknown benefits to their human carriers, say researchers. As a result, the human race may have been evolving in the recent past to be more susceptible, rather than less, to some complex diseases, they conclude.

Cannibinoids offer novel treatment for pain in sickle cell disease, study suggests

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:12:12 EDT

Researchers have discovered that cannibinoids offer a novel approach to ease the chronic and acute pain caused by sickle cell disease.

Modulator of fetal hemoglobin switch may target sickle cell disease

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:51:51 EDT

A retired but well-preserved mechanism for regulating viruses that has worked its way into the human genome appears to modulate a switch between adult and fetal hemoglobin production, researchers report. That switch could be the key to more targeted therapies for sickle cell patients whose misshaped adult hemoglobin hinders its ability to deliver oxygen throughout the body. Fetal hemoglobin, on the other hand, can't take on the dysfunctional sickle shape.

Sickle cell patients should be better monitored for constipation prevention

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:28:28 EDT

Not all patients with sickle cell disease receive laxatives after being treated with narcotics, despite recommendations from a collaborative panel of pediatric experts.

Stroke prevention study in children with sickle cell anemia, iron overload stopped early

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:20:20 EDT

Researchers have stopped a clinical trial evaluating a new approach to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke in children with sickle cell anemia and iron overload because of evidence that the new treatment was unlikely to prove better than the existing treatment.

Sickle cell disease may affect brain function in adults, study suggests

Tue, 11 May 2010 17:38:38 EDT

Sickle cell disease may affect brain function in adults who have few or mild complications of the inherited blood disease, according to results of the first study to examine cognitive functioning in adults with sickle cell disease.

New microscopy technique reveals mechanics of blood cell membranes

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:15:15 EDT

Thanks to an interdisciplinary team of researchers, scientists now have a more complete understanding of one of the human body's most vital structures: the red blood cell. The team used diffraction phase microscopy to measure fluctuation in the cell membrane and developed a model that could lead to breakthroughs in screening and treatment of blood-cell-morphology diseases, such as malaria and sickle-cell disease.

Vaccines preventing pneumococcal disease protect African children with sickle-cell disease

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:08:08 EDT

A new study finds that African children who contract pneumococcus -- a bacterial infection that causes pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis -- are 36 times as likely to have sickle-cell disease, a blood disorder prevalent in African children that increases the risk for infectious diseases and early death.