WEBINAR SERIES: Sickle Cell Science: Path to Progress

Presenter(s)

Cheryl Anne Boyce, Ph.D., Chief of the Implementation Science Branch, Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science (CTRIS), NHLBI

W. Keith Hoots, M.D. Director, Division of Blood Diseases and Resources (DBDR), NHLBI

Kim Smith-Whitley, M.D., Director, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; and board member of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA)

Abstract

Advances in our understanding of genetic therapies is helping researchers find ways to potentially change, or alter, the genes that cause diseases, such as sickle cell disease.  Genetic Therapies in Sickle Cell Disease, will provide an overview of genetic therapies--what they are, how they work, and how genetic therapies are being explored to prevent or treat diseases.  The webinar will also highlight activities of the Cure Sickle Cell Initiative, an NHLBI-led collaborative research effort to accelerate the development of genetic therapies to cure sickle cell disease, and feature a patient's perspective on participating in clinical trials and the importance of safe and widely available cures.

Presenter(s)

Traci Mondoro, PhD, Chief of Translational Blood Science and Resources Branch, Division of Blood Diseases and Resources (DBDR), NHLBI

Mark Walters, MD, Professor of Pediatrics/Jordan Family Director, BMT Program, Interim Director of Research, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Oakland

Lynndrick Holmes, patient representative

Presenter(s)

Nancy DiFronzo, M.D., Program Director, Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network,  NHLBI

Courtney Fitzhugh, M.D., Lasker Clinical Research Scholar in the Laboratory of Early Sickle Mortality Prevention, NHLBI

Abstract (CME webinar)

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a multi-system, progressive disorder that affects approximately 100,000 Americans, primarily of African and Hispanic descent. While considered a rare disease by the National Institutes of Health, SCD is the most common genetic blood disorder in the US and continues to be associated with a significantly shortened lifespan, 42 years and 48 years for females and males, respectively.

Patients with SCD often require care in emergency departments (EDs) for a myriad of potentially life-threatening conditions, but most commonly seek treatment for pain due to vaso-occlusive episodes. This session will highlight current evidence-based best practices and ongoing research designed to improve the care of patients with SCD in the ED.

Co-sponsored by the HHS Office of Minority Health and the American College of Emergency Physicians

Presenter(s)

NOTE: Participants will have the opportunity to receive CME credits.