Forecasting the Future: Optimizing Care and Minimizing Disparities for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects multiple organ systems and is associated with both acute bouts of illness as well as progressive organ dysfunction. It is one of the most commonly occurring inherited diseases in the United States and primarily affects those of African American descent. Complications are potentially fatal, including cerebrovascular accidents, splenic and renal dysfunction, as well as life-threatening pneumonia. Pharmacists must be keenly aware of historical standards of care that have shown to decrease morbidity and mortality in this patient population and ensure patients are receiving these evidence-based interventions. Pharmacists must also stay up to date with the large number of novel therapies for patients with SCD so that they may know how to implement these agents appropriately as they become increasingly available in clinical practice. Additionally, curative therapies for patients with SCD are becoming increasingly investigated and as outcomes for therapies such as hematopoietic stem cell transplant continue to improve, these treatment options will gain traction as a viable treatment option being offered for patients with SCD. Finally, patients with SCD have experienced disparities in access and quality of care, including a disproportionate share in research funding. Throughout the course of the presentation, current and evolving therapies, as well as healthcare disparities will be discussed, along with proposed strategies to reduce racism's impact on the care of patients with SCD.

This activity is approved for Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist (BCPPS) recertification credit.