Unc comprehensive sickle cell program

He is responsible for preparing and submitting study protocols for review by the Institutional Review Board; recruiting, and enrolling study subjects; and educating patients and nurses about specific research projects. Responsible for scheduling new patient appointments, provides information and assistance to patients, families, and medical staff.

Skip to main content Department of Medicine. Division of Hematology and Oncology. Pulmonary hypertension is a common complication in sickle cell disease, often resulting in significant morbidity and mortality.

Our group is interested in defining the causative and predictive factors of pulmonary hypertension, as well as the development of treatment strategies for patients with this disease. We currently have active protocols designed to further understand the pathophysiology, as well as define the natural history of SCD-associated pulmonary hypertension. Furthermore, we have several ongoing and planned treatment studies in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

There is abundant evidence that both platelets and the coagulation system are activated in patients with sickle cell disease. General Behavior Medicine , J Inv Med. Clinical Science : , Progression of pulmonary hypertension in patients with sickle cell disease. Blood A, The relationship of pulmonary hypertension and survival in sickle cell disease.

Blood A: A, As a result, we provide a multitude of specialty services to meet the needs of patients with the disease. We, at the Sickle Cell Program, work very closely with our colleagues in ophthalmology, nephrology, general surgery, hepatology, pulmonology and orthopedic surgery to provide preventive and treatment services.

Access to state-of-the-art imaging techniques plays a major role in the care of patients with sickle cell disease. Imaging modalities available at our center include transcranial Doppler studies for stroke prevention in children, abdominal ultrasound for gallstones, imaging of the bones to evaluate avascular necrosis, and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain for detection of silent infarcts and strokes.

Consultations with a psychiatrist are arranged as needed.