Summaries of Must-Read Clinical Literature, Guidelines, and FDA Actions
TCD Re-Screening of STOP and STOP II Participants
Am J Hematol; ePub 2016 Oct 25; Adams, et al
Despite evidence of its benefit, the STOP protocol is not fully implemented even at experienced sites that treat children with sickle cell disease, according to a study involving more than 2,800 children.
The Post STOP trial reviewed implementation of protocols in the 10 to 15 years since the end of the 2 STOP trials at 19 of 26 study sites. Investigators documented Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound (TCD) rescreening, maintenance of chronic red cell transfusion in those at risk, and stroke. Among the results:
- Evidence of any rescreening was found in ~6 in every 10 patients.
- There was wide variation in TCD rescreening by site, ranging from 18% to 91%.
- Both younger age and having a conditional TCD during the second STOP study was linked with a higher likelihood of having a TCD in Post STOP.
- 68 new abnormal, high risk cases were identified.
Adams R, Lackland D, Brown L, et al. Transcranial Doppler re-screening of subjects who participated in STOP and STOP II. [Published online ahead of print October 25, 2016]. Am J Hematol. doi:10.1002/ajh.24551.