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Sickle cell disease in children and adults remains a therapeutic challenge. Anemia, recurrent crises, and a variety of major complications must be addressed using a limited therapeutic arsenal.
Recent studies have reported the benefits of preoperative transfusions (NEJM JW Oncol Hematol Feb 12 2013) and hydroxyurea in young children (NEJM JW Oncol Hematol Sep 18 2012). Now, an expert panel has reviewed the current medical literature and issued the following treatment recommendations regarding these and other therapies based on the best available evidence:
Penicillin prophylaxis for children ≤5 years of age (125 mg twice daily for those <3; then 250 mg twice daily)
Transcranial Doppler examinations annually for children 2 to 16 years of age
Pare…