Incident Stroke in Pediatric Sickle cell Anemia Despite Overall Improved Transcranial Doppler Velocity in a Ugandan Hydroxyurea Trial: Antecedent and ongoing risks.

INTRODUCTION

Transcranial doppler ultrasound (TCD) screening for primary stroke prevention in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) was established in higher-resource regions, targeting interventions for highest velocity ("abnormal"). We sought to identify additional stroke risk factors in Uganda.

METHODS

We conducted a 30-month open-label single-arm Ugandan hydroxyurea trial, dose-escalated to maximum tolerated dose, aimed to test brain protection for children aged 3-9 years with SCA. Study procedures included history, clinical stroke examination and prospective TCD and laboratory assessments.

RESULTS

Overall, 264 children received study HU, mean age 5.6±1.7, hemoglobin 7.8±1.2g/dL, fetal hemoglobin (HbF) 11.9±8.1%, enrolment TCD maximum velocity 148.4±29.3cm/second; 15 (5.7%) had abnormal TCD. Mean TAMV at trial completion was131.9±SD25.7 cm/sec. Four participants without abnormal enrolment TCD developed acute stroke within the initial 16 months (incidence 0.62 per 100 person years); Two had enrolment HbF ≤3.1%, 2 had low oxygen saturation (90%), 1 had recurring severe anemia necessitating multiple transfusions. Apparent stroke precipitants were severe malaria, acute chest syndrome, recent pain crisis or uncertain cause. At trial completion, 8 additional participants had a higher risk TCD category than at enrolment.

CONCLUSION

Effectiveness of TCD screening for stroke prevention may vary by region, as no participant with incident stroke was at highest risk. Antecedent and/or ongoing SCA-related risks of anemia, low HbF, hypoxemia, infections and/or disease complications likely contributed to stroke despite trial HU. Results suggest that TCD alone may not fully identify highest stroke risk in the region, and need for primary stroke prevention from early and continuous hydroxyurea therapy.