Chief Resident /PGY 3 Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center Brooklyn, New York, United States
Background: The study aims to explore the relationship between D-dimer levels and the severity of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) in sickle cell disease (SCD). VOCs are a major concern in SCD, often indicating higher severity and mortality risk. Despite understanding the role of hypercoagulation, represented by D-dimer levels, in SCD, there's a gap in understanding its correlation with VOC severity. This study aims to fill that gap, offering data that could inform early interventions and tailored treatments, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Objective: The study aims to investigate the correlation between D-dimer levels and the severity of Vaso-Occlusive Crises (VOC) in pediatric SCD patients. Specifically, it will:
Compare D-dimer levels during VOC episodes and steady states.
Classify VOC severity based on clinical parameters like hospital stay and need for advanced analgesics.
Assess if elevated D-dimer levels correlate with VOC severity markers such as extended hospitalization and complications.
Evaluate D-dimer's reliability as a prognostic biomarker for VOC severity, guiding clinicians in early interventions. Design/Methods: RB Approvals
Ethical approval obtained from One Brooklyn Health's IRB. Patient confidentiality and secure data storage assured. Study Overview
Design: Retrospective, observational. Population: Patients aged 2-25 with confirmed SCD and acute VOCs. Data Source: Epic Systems, Jan 1, 2015 - Jul 31, 2023. Variables
Inclusion/Exclusion criteria based on genotype and medical history. Analysis Plan
Descriptive statistics. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression. Adjust for confounders via multivariable analysis. Timeline
Data Extraction: Nov 1-30, 2023 Preliminary Analysis: Dec 1-15, 2023 In-depth Analysis: Dec 16-31, 2023 Drafting: Jan 1-31, 2024 Peer Review: Feb 1-28, 2024 Final Submission: By Apr 1, 2024
