Studies Examine Quality of Care for Hospitalized Sickle Cell Disease Patients and Effective Methods for Detecting Risk of Stroke in Children With Thi...( SAN FRANCISCO Dec. 6 -- A study asse...),Health

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A study assessing the quality of care for patients with sickle cell disease in a variety of hospital settings will be presented at a press conference on Saturday, December 6, at 9:30 a.m., during the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Francisco, CA. Two other studies on screening methods that help determine stroke risk in children with sickle cell disease, as well as a study examining the effects of long-term hydroxyurea use in adult patients with the disease, will also be presented.

"The studies highlighted in this press conference showcase important advances in our understanding of sickle cell disease," said Nancy Berliner, MD, 2009 ASH President and Chief of Hematology at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. "These studies highlight observations and interventions aimed at reducing complications and mortality from sickle cell disease in both children and adults."

In addition, the press conference will provide a preview of the new hematology documentary "Blood Detectives," which will premiere on the Discovery Health cable network on December 19, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT and again at 12:00 midnight. The show focuses on hematologists as they work to unravel medical mysteries and save lives. One of the key stories featured is that of Alexandria, a teenage girl being treated for sickle cell anemia who previously suffered a silent stroke; her hematologist, Michael DeBaun, MD, who is featured in the film, along with Dr. Berliner, who was a scientific advisor for the documentary, are co-moderators of this press briefing.

"Stroke is a serious consequence of sickle cell anemia," said Dr. DeBaun, Director, Sickle Cell Medical Treatment and Education Center, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, MO. "Finding innovative ways to detect the risk of stroke in children like Alexan
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