Tool detects stroke risk sooner in sickle cell patients

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States. One of the most severe complications a patient can suffer from is a stroke.

At Riley Children's Health, more than 75% of patients with SCD receive annual screenings for stroke which leads to early detection of this complication. Riley patients with SCD are able to receive transcranial doppler screenings from Dr. Christopher Jackman, pediatric neurologist, during their routine appointments in the sickle cell clinic, removing barriers such as transportation, lack of knowledge of this testing, and avoidance due to extra time needed to schedule and attend an additional appointment.

For parents like Sherice Smith and Genaro Luna IV, the opportunity to receive this important screening while already at the hospital provides peace of mind for them and their son.

"We have the standard appointment that you have every month and then being able to do it that same day, it just makes it a lot easier, it's more convenient," Luna said.