title: Primary prophylaxis in sickle cell disease: is it feasible? Is it effective?
abstract: Consideration of primary prophylaxis to prevent complications of sickle cell disease (SCD) requires a clear understanding of the earliest manifestations of SCD-related organ injury, a reliable clinical or laboratory tool to detect organ dysfunction, and evidence that an intervention instituted in the presymptomatic state can mitigate disease progression. This review examines the pathophysiology of SCD in organs that may be potential targets for intervention, our current capacity to evaluate early SCD manifestations, results of clinical trials, and opportunities for future interventions.
authors.affiliation: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60614, USA. a-thompson@northwestern.edu
authors.forename: Alexis A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Thompson
mesh_terms: D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D009928:Organ Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index