Abstract

Summary: Sickle cell disease can be complicated by cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), which are associated with diminished neurocognitive functioning. The influence of the total volume of WMHs on the degree of neurocognitive dysfunction has not yet been characterized. In our study of 38 patients (mean age 12·5 years) we demonstrated that a higher volume of WMHs was associated with lower full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ), verbal IQ, Processing Speed Index and more fatigue. Our results suggest that volume of WMHs is an additional parameter to take into account when planning individual diagnostic and treatment options.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)553-556
Number of pages4
JournalBritish journal of haematology
Volume168
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2015

Keywords

  • Neurocognitive functioning
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Silent cerebral infarcts

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