Children's Hospital Colorado (Children's Colorado) supported the National Alliance of Sickle Cell Centers (NASCC) in developing new national standards to improve how clinicians identify and manage developmental and cognitive challenges in individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD) across the lifespan. Care for children and adults with SCD varies significantly depending on where they live and receive treatment, and this new guidance - partially informed by Children's Colorado's neurodevelopmental monitoring program - aims to reduce that variability and strengthen the quality of care nationwide.
SCD is associated with an increased risk of developmental delays and cognitive challenges, even in patients who have not experienced major neurological complications like stroke. These challenges can affect learning, decision-making and daily functioning throughout life.