Changes in Care Delivery for Children With Sickle Cell Anemia During the COVID-19 Pandemic : Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

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Online Articles: Clinical and Laboratory Observations

Changes in Care Delivery for Children With Sickle Cell Anemia During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Noisette, M. Laurence MD*; Phillips, Shannon RN, PhD†; Schlenz, Alyssa M. PhD‡; Mueller, Martina PhD†,§; Kanter, Julie MD∥

Author Information

*Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

†College of Nursing

§Department of Public Health Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC

‡Section of Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO

∥Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL

Supported by the National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (R01 HL133896 to J.K., S.P., A.M.S., and M.M. and by the National Institute of Nursing Research K23 NR017899 to S.P.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Reprints: Julie Kanter, MD, 1720 2nd street South, Birmingham, AL 35294 (e-mail: [email protected]).

Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology 43(8):p e1231-e1234, November 2021. | DOI: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000002008

Abstract

Background: 

Specialty care for children with sickle cell disease (SCD) may be disrupted during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Our DISPLACE consortium includes 28 pediatric SCD centers.

Methods: 

In May 2020, we surveyed the consortium on the impact of COVID-19 on their practice focusing on transcranial Doppler ultrasound, chronic red cell transfusions, telehealth, and COVID-19 testing.

Observation: 

Twenty-four DISPLACE providers completed the survey. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound screening decreased to 67% but chronic red cell transfusions remained at 96%. Most investigators (92%) used telehealth and 40% of providers had patients test positive for COVID-19.

Conclusion: 

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected routine care and necessitated changes in practice in SCD.

Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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