Haematologica (Dec 2007)

Endothelial-dependent vasodilation is impaired in children with sickle cell disease

  • Mariane de Montalembert,
  • Yacine Aggoun,
  • Assa Niakate,
  • Isabelle Szezepanski,
  • Damien Bonnet

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3324/haematol.11253
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 92, no. 12

Abstract

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Impairment of endothelial-dependent vasodilation has been demonstrated in adults with sickle cell anemia (SCA). We enrolled 21 SCA children, mean age 10.4±3.3 yrs, and 23 Afro-Caribbean controls. We examined flow-mediated (FMD) and nitroglycerine-mediated (GTNMD) dilation of the brachial artery, using echotracking techniques, and measured intima-media thickness (IMT) and mechanical properties of the common carotid artery. FMD was significantly decreased in SCA children vs controls (5.6±0.2 vs 8.0±0.2%, p=0.008), while IMT, stiffness of the common carotid artery, and GTNMD were comparable. In conclusion, endothelial dysfunction is present as early as childhood in SCA patients.