Description

Chaturvedi et al evaluated patients with sickle cell disease by echocardiography and pulmonary function tests. These can help to identify patients who may benefit from more aggressive management. The authors are from Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt-Meharry Sickle Cell Disease Center, and Rodeghier Consultants (Chicago).


Patient selection: sickle cell disease

 

Parameter:

(1) FEV1 as percent of predicted

(2) tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRJV) by echocardiography

 

Parameter

Finding

Points

FEV1 as percent of predicted

> 70%

0

 

<= 70%

1

tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity

< 2.5 m/s

0

 

>= 2.5 m/s

1

 

where:

• A TRJV >= 2.5 m/s is associated with pulmonary hypertension.

 

total score =

= SUM(points for both parameters)

 

Interpretation:

• minimum score: 0

• maximum score: 2

• These findings are associated with nephropathy, cardiopulmonary impairment and mortality. The hazard ratio for mortality when both factors were present was 5.


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