The rates were independent of the medical center’s size or academic affiliation. Some medical centers with special sickle cell clinics failed to consistently follow up with families who missed appointments. Sometimes medical centers offering the test were far from the homes of children with the disease. Ultrasound screens aren’t the only needed medical care inconsistently given to children with sickle cell. A recent survey funded by the National Institutes of Health of 2,200 sickle cell patients from eight sites found that just 48 percent of patients were taking hydroxyurea regularly.

Source: New York Times May 23, 2021 22:17 UTC