Mobile health intervention for youth with sickle cell disease: Impact on adherence, disease knowledge, and quality of life

Children and young people's preferences and needs when using health technology to self-manage a long-term condition: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

The use of patient-facing health technologies to manage long-term conditions (LTCs) is increasing; however, children and young people (CYP) may have preferences about health technologies which they interact or engage with, that influence their decision to use these technologies.

AIMS

To identify CYP's reported preferences about health technologies to self-manage LTCs.

METHODS

We undertook a scoping review, searching MEDLINE, PsycINFO and CINAHL in July 2021. Searches were limited to papers published between January 2015 and July 2021. We included any health technologies used to manage physical and mental LTCs. Qualitative content analysis of study data was undertaken to categorise data into themes and quantitative data were described and visually represented. We engaged CYP with LTCs to support the review design, interpretation of findings and development of recommendations.

RESULTS

161 journal articles were included, describing preferences of CYP. Most included studies were undertaken in high-income countries. CYP's main preferences and needs were: design and functionality; privacy and sharing; customisation and personalisation of the technology; and interaction options within the technology.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights important preferences and needs that CYP may have before using technologies to self-manage their LTC. These should be considered when developing technology for this population. Future research should involve CYP throughout the development of the technologies, from identifying their unmet needs through to final design, development, evaluation and implementation of the intervention.

Perspectives of Adolescents and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease and Clinicians on Improving Transition Readiness With a Video Game Intervention

We aimed to learn the experiences of clinicians and adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease (AYA-SCD) with managing their disease at home and making medical decisions as they transition from pediatric to adult care, and their perceptions of a video game intervention to positively impact these skills. We conducted individual, semistructured interviews with patients (AYA-SCD ages 15 to 26 years) and clinicians who provide care to AYA-SCD at an urban, quaternary-care hospital. Interviews elicited patients' and clinicians' experiences with AYA-SCD, barriers and facilitators to successful home management, and their perspectives on shared decision-making and a video game intervention. To identify themes, we conducted an inductive analysis until data saturation was reached. Participants (16 patients and 21 clinicians) identified 4 main themes: (1) self-efficacy as a critical skill for a successful transition from pediatric to adult care, (2) the importance of patient engagement in making medical decisions, (3) multilevel determinants of optimal self-efficacy and patient engagement, and (4) support for a video game intervention which, by targeting potential determinants of AYA-SCD achieving optimal self-efficacy and engagement in decision-making, may improve these important skills.

Using the health beliefs model to implement mobile puberty health education in Iranian adolescent boys: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction

Given boys' low health knowledge and their unhealthy behavior during puberty, which can cause many physical, mental, and psychological problems, it is important to prevent these complications. This study was therefore aimed to determine the efficacy of a mobile health educational intervention based on the Health Beliefs Model (HBM) on Iranian adolescent boys.

Materials and methods

This randomized controlled trial involved junior high school boys (n = 148) in Iran studying during the 2020-2021 school year. Educational content concerning healthy behaviors during puberty (e.g., the importance of bathing) was developed based on HBM and sent to the intervention group via mobile phone. HBM addresses multiple factors (e.g., perceived disease risk) that explain health behaviors. The intervention was delivered in five sessions over four weeks using real-time Internet communication and texting. The control group did not receive any intervention. One school was randomly selected from each of the four districts of the study site. The schools were then randomized into intervention and control groups. The boys were then randomly selected from each school to participate in the study. Data collected at baseline and 2-month follow-up assessments included demographic information, health knowledge (e.g., physical changes during puberty), health behaviors (e.g., bathing), and HBM constructs (e.g., self-efficacy to perform healthy behaviors). Data analysis was done using the chi-square, independent and paired t-tests, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

Results

The two groups did not differ in terms of demographic characteristics. Before the intervention, the two groups were slightly different in terms of knowledge, health behavior, and HBM constructs. Following the intervention, the scores of the intervention group improved significantly (p < 0.05). After adjusting for pre-intervention knowledge, HBM, and health behavior scores, the intervention group remained superior to the control group in terms of improvement of knowledge, HBM constructs, and healthy behaviors (p < 0.05). Effect sizes ranged from medium to large (0.25-0.86).

Conclusion

Mobile phone education based on the HBM is efficacious in encouraging healthy behavior in boys during puberty. Organizations interested in encouraging healthy behaviors in boys should consider the use of such a program.

The Report of Access and Engagement With Digital Health Interventions Among Children and Young People: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Digital health interventions are increasingly used to deliver health-related interventions for children and young people to change health behaviors and improve health outcomes. Digital health interventions have the potential to enhance access to and engagement with children and young people; however, they may also increase the divide between those who can access technology and are supported to engage and those who are not. This review included studies that reported on the access to or engagement with digital health interventions among children and young people.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to identify and report on access and engagement in studies involving digital health interventions among children and young people.

METHODS

A systematic review following the Joanna Briggs Institute methods for conducting systematic reviews was conducted. An electronic literature search was conducted for all studies published between January 1, 2010, and August 2022, across sources, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Studies were included if they examined any aspect of access or engagement in relation to interventions among children and young people. The quality of the included papers was assessed, and data were extracted. Data were considered for meta-analysis, where possible.

RESULTS

A total of 3292 references were identified using search terms. Following the exclusion of duplicates and review by inclusion criteria, 40 studies were independently appraised for their methodological quality. A total of 16 studies were excluded owing to their low assessed quality and flawed critical elements in the study design. The studies focused on a variety of health conditions; type 1 diabetes, weight management and obesity, mental health issues, and sexual health were the predominant conditions. Most studies were conducted in developed countries, with most of them being conducted in the United States. Two studies reported data related to access and considered ethnicity and social determinants. No studies used strategies to enhance or increase access. All studies included in the review reported on at least 1 aspect of engagement. Engagement with interventions was measured in relation to frequency of engagement, with no reference to the concept of effective engagement.

CONCLUSIONS

Most digital health interventions do not consider the factors that can affect access and engagement. Of those studies that measured either access or engagement or both, few sought to implement strategies to improve access or engagement to address potential disparities between groups. Although the literature to date provides some insight into access and engagement and how these are addressed in digital health interventions, there are major limitations in understanding how both can be enhanced to promote equity. Consideration of both access and engagement is vital to ensure that children and young people have the ability to participate in studies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42020170874; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=170874.

Empowering patients with sickle cell anemia and their families through innovative educational methods

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited blood disorders caused by a mutation in the beta subunit of hemoglobin (HbS). SCD will hereafter be referred to as sickle cell anemia (SCA) as this is the term our patients and their families prefer. There are approximately 5000 Canadians living with SCA including children. Pediatric SCA patient education can: improve knowledge, decrease hospitalization, improve medication possession ratio, lead to better SCA-related functioning, and lower pain impact. Innovative educational materials were developed to improve knowledge and self-efficacy regarding the illness management of patients and parents/guardians. Patients (n = 5; aged 8-18) with SCA and parents (n = 5) of patients (aged 0-18) were recruited via flyers sent directly to patients and distributed through partner patient organization Sickle Cell Awareness Network of Saskatchewan. Patient and parent focus groups were held separately over Zoom to receive feedback for the video. An additional interview was held for a participant that required a translation of the video. Audio recordings were transcribed using Zoom and Otter.ai. The coding of transcripts was facilitated by NVivo (QSR International Pty Ltd, 2022, release 1.6.2). The thematic analysis centered around SCA management concepts relevant to the research aims. Important themes that emerged included 'Age Appropriateness', 'Empowerment', 'Knowledge Gaps', 'Linguistic Accessibility', 'Medication Adherence', 'Strength in Community', and 'Transition to Adult Care'. The video was well received, and "brought peace of mind". Patient feedback was incorporated into the final version of the educational materials.

Interventions for improving adherence to iron chelation therapy in people with sickle cell disease or thalassaemia

BACKGROUND

Regularly transfused people with sickle cell disease (SCD) and people with thalassaemia are at risk of iron overload. Iron overload can lead to iron toxicity in vulnerable organs such as the heart, liver and endocrine glands, which can be prevented and treated with iron-chelating agents. The intensive demands and uncomfortable side effects of therapy can have a negative impact on daily activities and wellbeing, which may affect adherence.

OBJECTIVES

To identify and assess the effectiveness of different types of interventions (psychological and psychosocial, educational, medication interventions, or multi-component interventions) and interventions specific to different age groups, to improve adherence to iron chelation therapy compared to another listed intervention, or standard care in people with SCD or thalassaemia.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL (Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertations & Global Theses, Web of Science & Social Sciences Conference Proceedings Indexes and ongoing trial databases (13 December 2021). We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register (1 August 2022).

SELECTION CRITERIA

For trials comparing medications or medication changes, only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for inclusion. For studies including psychological and psychosocial interventions, educational interventions, or multi-component interventions, non-randomised studies of interventions (NRSIs), controlled before-after studies, and interrupted time series studies with adherence as a primary outcome were also eligible for inclusion.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

For this update, two authors independently assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias, and extracted data. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 19 RCTs and one NRSI published between 1997 and 2021. One trial assessed medication management, one assessed an education intervention (NRSI) and 18 RCTs were of medication interventions. Medications assessed were subcutaneous deferoxamine, and two oral chelating agents, deferiprone and deferasirox. We rated the certainty of evidence as very low to low across all outcomes identified in this review. Four trials measured quality of life (QoL) with validated instruments, but provided no analysable data and reported no difference in QoL. We identified nine comparisons of interest. 1. Deferiprone versus deferoxamine We are uncertain whether or not deferiprone affects adherence to iron chelation therapy (four RCTs, unpooled, very low-certainty evidence), all-cause mortality (risk ratio (RR) 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18 to 1.21; 3 RCTs, 376 participants; very low-certainty evidence), or serious adverse events (SAEs) (RR 1.43, 95% CI 0.83 to 2.46; 1 RCT, 228 participants; very low-certainty evidence).  Adherence was reported as "good", "high" or "excellent" by all seven trials, though the data could not be analysed formally: adherence ranged from 69% to 95% (deferiprone, mean 86.6%), and 71% to 93% (deferoxamine, mean 78.8%), based on five trials (474 participants) only. 2. Deferasirox versus deferoxamine We are uncertain whether or not deferasirox affects adherence to iron chelation therapy (three RCTs, unpooled, very low-certainty evidence), although medication adherence was high in all trials. We are uncertain whether or not there is any difference between the drug therapies in serious adverse events (SAEs) (SCD or thalassaemia) or all-cause mortality (thalassaemia). 3. Deferiprone versus deferasirox We are uncertain if there is a difference between oral deferiprone and deferasirox based on a single trial in children (average age 9 to 10 years) with any hereditary haemoglobinopathy in adherence, SAEs and all-cause mortality. 4. Deferasirox film-coated tablet (FCT) versus deferasirox dispersible tablet (DT) One RCT compared deferasirox in different tablet forms. There may be a preference for FCTs, shown through a trend for greater adherence (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.22; 1 RCT, 88 participants), although medication adherence was high in both groups (FCT 92.9%; DT 85.3%). We are uncertain if there is a benefit in chelation-related AEs with FCTs. We are uncertain if there is a difference in the incidence of SAEs, all-cause mortality or sustained adherence. 5. Deferiprone and deferoxamine combined versus deferiprone alone We are uncertain if there is a difference in adherence, though reporting was usually narrative as triallists report it was "excellent" in both groups (three RCTs, unpooled). We are uncertain if there is a difference in the incidence of SAEs and all-cause mortality.  6. Deferiprone and deferoxamine combined versus deferoxamine alone We are uncertain if there is a difference in adherence (four RCTs), SAEs (none reported in the trial period) and all-cause mortality (no deaths reported in the trial period). There was high adherence in all trials. 7. Deferiprone and deferoxamine combined versus deferiprone and deferasirox combined There may be a difference in favour of deferiprone and deferasirox (combined) in rates of adherence (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.99) (one RCT), although it was high (> 80%) in both groups. We are uncertain if there is a difference in SAEs, and no deaths were reported in the trial, so we cannot draw conclusions based on these data (one RCT). 8. Medication management versus standard care We are uncertain if there is a difference in QoL (one RCT), and we could not assess adherence due to a lack of reporting in the control group. 9. Education versus standard care One quasi-experimental (NRSI) study could not be analysed due to the severe baseline confounding.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The medication comparisons included in this review had higher than average adherence rates not accounted for by differences in medication administration or side effects, though often follow-up was not good (high dropout over longer trials), with adherence based on a per protocol analysis. Participants may have been selected based on higher adherence to trial medications at baseline. Also, within the clinical trial context, there is increased attention and involvement of clinicians, thus high adherence rates may be an artefact of trial participation. Real-world, pragmatic trials in community and clinic settings are needed that examine both confirmed or unconfirmed adherence strategies that may increase adherence to iron chelation therapy. Due to lack of evidence this review cannot comment on intervention strategies for different age groups.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction for community-dwelling older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in primary care: a mixed-methods feasibility randomized control trial

BACKGROUND

Primary care is often the first point of contact when community-dwelling older adults experience subjective cognitive decline (SCD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Living with SCD or MCI can be life-altering, resulting in low mood and increased anxiety, further exacerbating cognitive decline. However, there is scant literature on interventions that interprofessional primary care providers can provide to support those living with SCD or MCI. Practicing mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in an interprofessional primary care setting may support emotional health and well-being for those with cognitive decline, but it has not been studied in an interprofessional primary care context.

OBJECTIVES

This study's primary aim was to determine the feasibility of, and perceived benefits to and satisfaction with, a 9-Week MBSR program delivered in a team-based primary care setting. The secondary aim was to examine the acceptability of using technology (computer tablet and App Insight Timer®) for program delivery and home practice.

METHODS

A convergent mixed-methods, single-blind pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) study design was used. A quantitative strand was used to evaluate the feasibility of the MBSR program. The qualitative strand used a focus group with older adult participants with SCD or MCI. Individual semi-structured interviews with occupational therapists who are qualified-MBSR teachers were conducted to explore the acceptability of using computer tablets for program delivery and home practice.

RESULTS

27 participants were randomized (14 MBSR; 13 Control) with retention rates of 64.3% (9/14 completed ≥6 sessions), true adherence rates of 50% (7/14 met ≥19.5 hrs of home practice), 21.4% attrition rates, and 100% post-intervention follow-up. No participants who used computer tablets at the beginning of the intervention switched to low technology. Older adult participants found the use of computer tablets in the MBSR course acceptable and appreciated the portability of the tablets.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the lower-than-expected rates of recruitment, retention, and adherence, our study, as designed, did not meet the feasibility benchmarks that were set. However, with minor modifications to the design, including changing how participants who drop-out are analyzed, extending recruitment, and adding multiple sites, this intervention would be well suited to further study using a full-scale RCT. However, we found that embedding MBSR in an interprofessional primary care setting was feasible in practice and qualitative data highlighted the satisfaction and perceived benefits based on the intervention. The use of technology was acceptable and portable, as participants utilized their computer tablets consistently until the study's end. Our study showed that older adults living with SCD or MCI were highly receptive to learning how to use technology, and future group intervention programs in interprofessional primary care settings may also incorporate tablet use.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Board in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (REB# 2017-0056-E); Queen's University (REB# 6026418) in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and Clinicaltrials.gov (08/03/2019; NCT03867474).

The role of e-health on the public knowledge and behavior in preventing COVID-19

Background

Electronic health (e-health) technologies play an important role in improving public knowledge and behavior to control the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aimed to investigate the role of e-health on the public knowledge and behavior in preventing COVID-19 in Kerman, a city in Iran.

Methods

The present descriptive cross-sectional study used an online survey in Kerman in November 2021. The research instrument was a tripartite questionnaire that included demographic information, the level of respondents' knowledge about COVID-19, the extent of change in respondents' behavior influenced by e-health. Negative binomial regression analysis was run to test the relationship between individual characteristics and the research variables with knowledge and behavior. Spearman correlation test was used to measure the correlation between the two main parts of the survey.

Results

As the negative binomial regression analysis results showed, the relationship between no demographic variable and the public knowledge and behavior was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean knowledge and behavior scores were 5.84 ± 2.55 and 11.95 ± 5.09, respectively, showing that people who used e-health had a high level of knowledge, and taking preventive measures was at a high level. The Spearman correlation coefficient test results showed a positive association between knowledge and behavior (r = 0.71).

Conclusion

E-health played a decisive role in increasing knowledge and improving behavior in preventing COVID-19. The results of our research can encourage the use of e-health to improve the public knowledge and behavior in pandemics such as COVID-19.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Adherence to Hydroxyurea and Other Disease-Modifying Therapies among Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hemoglobinopathy with increasing global prevalence resulting in pain episodes and multiorgan complications. Complications of SCD have been shown to adversely impact health-related quality of life (HRQOL) comprised of physical, social, and emotional domains; hence, HRQOL measures can serve as an effective evaluator of disease burden. Hydroxyurea (HU) and other disease-modifying therapies have demonstrated to significantly improve clinical outcomes in patients with SCD. Medication adherence is an essential mediator of the clinical benefits of these therapies; low adherence has been shown to increase disease burden and healthcare utilization. This systematic literature review intends to determine the association between adherence to disease-modifying therapies and HRQOL in patients with SCD.

Methods

We found a total of 12 articles involving 788 participants, which included both patients with SCD and caregivers/parents. Adherence was measured using self-report instruments, laboratory markers, such as fetal hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume, and mHealth medication trackers. HRQOL was measured using self-report instruments.

Results

All studies demonstrated a correlation between higher HU adherence and better HRQOL scores. Higher HU adherence was associated with lower pain impact, less frequent pain episodes, less fatigue, and improved physical function and mobility, reflecting better physical HRQOL outcomes. Higher adherence was also associated with improved emotional response, decreased anxiety and depressive symptoms, and better social functioning and peer relationships. In addition, our findings indicated that having less frequent barriers to HU adherence was associated with better HRQOL scores. No studies evaluated HRQOL outcomes in relation to adherence to l-glutamine, voxelotor, or crizanlizumab.

Conclusions

Optimizing HU adherence has the potential to improve HRQOL in patients with SCD in addition to reducing healthcare utilization and improving treatment satisfaction. Addressing barriers to HU adherence can positively strengthen the relationship between adherence and HRQOL to potentially improve patient outcomes.

A text messaging intervention and quality of life in adolescents with solid organ transplants

BACKGROUND

Facilitating communication between adolescents and HCP outside of appointments may enhance patient experience and outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether SMS enhances the healthcare experience, QoL, and medication adherence in adolescent SOT patients.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study of an SMS platform (WelTel Inc) for SOT patients aged 12-19 years. QoL was assessed before and after using the PedsQL™ Transplant Module. Medication adherence was assessed with the frequency of therapeutic tacrolimus levels and variation based on control chart analysis. Patient experience and engagement was evaluated with surveys, response rate to messages, and number of clinical conversations (>2 messages).

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients were included (median age 15.7 years (IQR 13.6-17.1)). Median intervention duration was 13.5 months (range 4.0-16.7 months). There was a 68% response rate (742/1095) with 375 clinical conversations. The majority of patients reported the intervention provided a positive outlook on their health (17/23), was useful (18/23), and improved their connection to HCPs (17/23). Following the intervention, there was no significant difference in the median scaled QoL scores (pre-intervention: 81 (IQR 76.5-93.3), post-intervention: 78 (IQR 76-93); p = .37), mean percentage of therapeutic tacrolimus levels (pre-intervention: 52 ± 25%, post-intervention: 65 ± 17%; p = .07), or variation on control chart analysis of tacrolimus levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The WelTel messaging platform provided supplemental clinical care for a group of adolescent SOT patients that enhanced their healthcare experience. Patient QoL and adherence were unchanged following the intervention and remained at a high level.

Careful considerations for mHealth app development: lessons learned from QuestExplore

BACKGROUND

Mobile health (mHealth) applications (app) have proven to be useful in gathering symptom data for a variety of populations living with chronic and serious illnesses. These mHealth tools have been built for a variety of populations but can quickly lose their novelty over time due to the lack of changes and engagement between the mHealth tool and the user. High costs, constantly changing timelines, and difficulties in building compliant data storage systems are some of the reasons why mHealth development and implementation can be a challenge.

METHODS

Our team's tool, QuestExplore (QE), was built in collaboration with healthcare providers, child-life specialists, a music therapist, mobile app developers, data specialists, cyber security specialists, researchers, and children living with chronic illnesses alongside their families. Through this process, our team learned various ways to reduce costs, streamline the app development process, and build compliant data storage systems. In addition, our frequent interactions with stakeholders provided us with the ability to continuously make improvements, to build an engaging mHealth app.

RESULTS

Based upon our findings, our team needed to include prompting, condensing, gamification, data visualizations, and an engaging user design in the remodel of QE. Through a three-stage process of redesigning our previous symptom monitoring apps, QE was developed to better communicate between our users and their providers, with the overall hope of improving symptom management of these children.

CONCLUSIONS

In the paper, we aim to explain how our team developed QE with feedback from our stakeholders, while also continuously improving our development process through the lessons we gained through the app's development. QE is now being used in both Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and will soon be implemented in Amsterdam University Medical Center.

Establishing a Working Definition of User Experience for eHealth Interventions of Self-reported User Experience Measures With eHealth Researchers and Adolescents: Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Across eHealth intervention studies involving children, adolescents, and their parents, researchers have measured user experience to assist with intervention development, refinement, and evaluation. To date, no widely accepted definitions or measures of user experience exist to support a standardized approach for evaluation and comparison within or across interventions.

OBJECTIVE

We conduct a scoping review with subsequent Delphi consultation to identify how user experience is defined and measured in eHealth research studies, characterize the measurement tools used, and establish working definitions for domains of user experience that could be used in future eHealth evaluations.

METHODS

We systematically searched electronic databases for published and gray literature available from January 1, 2005, to April 11, 2019. We included studies assessing an eHealth intervention that targeted any health condition and was designed for use by children, adolescents, and their parents. eHealth interventions needed to be web-, computer-, or mobile-based, mediated by the internet with some degree of interactivity. We required studies to report the measurement of user experience as first-person experiences, involving cognitive and behavioral factors reported by intervention users. We appraised the quality of user experience measures in included studies using published criteria: well-established, approaching well-established, promising, or not yet established. We conducted a descriptive analysis of how user experience was defined and measured in each study. Review findings subsequently informed the survey questions used in the Delphi consultations with eHealth researchers and adolescent users for how user experience should be defined and measured.

RESULTS

Of the 8634 articles screened for eligibility, 129 articles and 1 erratum were included in the review. A total of 30 eHealth researchers and 27 adolescents participated in the Delphi consultations. On the basis of the literature and consultations, we proposed working definitions for 6 main user experience domains: acceptability, satisfaction, credibility, usability, user-reported adherence, and perceived impact. Although most studies incorporated a study-specific measure, we identified 10 well-established measures to quantify 5 of the 6 domains of user experience (all except for self-reported adherence). Our adolescent and researcher participants ranked perceived impact as one of the most important domains of user experience and usability as one of the least important domains. Rankings between adolescents and researchers diverged for other domains.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight the various ways in which user experience has been defined and measured across studies and what aspects are most valued by researchers and adolescent users. We propose incorporating the working definitions and available measures of user experience to support consistent evaluation and reporting of outcomes across studies. Future studies can refine the definitions and measurement of user experience, explore how user experience relates to other eHealth outcomes, and inform the design and use of human-centered eHealth interventions.

The effect of visual interventions on illness beliefs and medication adherence for chronic conditions: A scoping review of the literature and mapping to behaviour change techniques (BCTs)

BACKGROUND

Maintaining health with chronic conditions often involves taking multiple medications; however, approximately 50% of patients with chronic conditions are non-adherent to medication. Patients' illness beliefs inform health behaviour, including medication-taking. Research has shown that visuals accompanying health information increased patient comprehension and the accuracy of illness perceptions. To date, the influence of visuals on illness beliefs and medication adherence has not been comprehensively reviewed.

OBJECTIVES

The review aimed to collate available literature on visualisation interventions for illness beliefs and medication adherence in chronic conditions and identify key intervention characteristics.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted according to recommended guidelines and the PRISMA-ScR statement. Searches used keywords relating to 'illness', 'visual', 'adherence', 'illness perception', 'intervention', and 'medication'. Six databases were searched from inception to 2019; reference-list searching provided additional articles. Articles were included if the study population had a chronic health condition, the intervention included a visual element, had a measure of illness beliefs or medication adherence. Data regarding intervention characteristics and outcomes were extracted. Behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were identified to provide further insight into intervention characteristics.

RESULTS

Initially, 18,012 articles were identified. Screening led to 293 full-text articles, ultimately resulting in 45 studies for final analysis. Forty-four were quantitative studies, 1 was qualitative. Studies were grouped into those using visuals to conceptualise a condition, medication reminders and educational interventions. Almost two-thirds of visual interventions were effective post-intervention, 3 sustained post-1-year, although many studies only assessed impact immediately post-intervention. BCTs from 'Natural consequences', 'Socialsupport' and 'Feedback and monitoring' categories were prevalent in effective interventions for both outcomes, particularly the 'Salience of consequences' BCT.

CONCLUSIONS

This comprehensive scoping review found that visual interventions can positively influence illness beliefs and medication adherence. These findings highlight the need to further evaluate the impact and sustainability of visual interventions.

Patient generated health data: Benefits and challenges

Patient Generated Health Data (PGHD) is defined as data generated by and from patients.¹ The use of PGHD has rapidly increased with the widespread availability of smart phone mobile health applications (mHealth apps) and wearable devices. Currently, the vast majority of PGHD is generated via the use of mHealth apps and wearables like "Fitbit" or medical devices such as a continuous glucose monitoring device. There are many benefits of PGHD including increased monitoring of children's chronic health conditions outside clinical care to supplement ambulatory clinic visits, improved health outcomes, increased patient awareness and engagement and improved patient-provider communication. When leveraged properly, PGHD can be a powerful tool in delivering safe, effective, patient centered, efficient and equitable care as outlined by the Institute of Medicine (IOM).² The challenges that limit collection, use and acceptance of PGHD include limited access to the internet, inability to incorporate PGHD into clinical workflows, data privacy and security concerns and apprehension about accuracy and safety of mHealth apps. These issues can lead to a lack of use or compliance with devices or apps associated with PGHD. To ensure optimal health benefits, agreement to leverage PGHD should be a joint decision between the clinician and the patient/caregiver. Future steps to ensure safety and clinical relevance of PGHD include involving regulatory authorities, device manufacturers and professional bodies to develop standards for mHealth apps and wearables to promote uncomplicated PGHD integration into workflows, easy and secure sharing of PGHD. Wearable technology, medical devices and smart phone apps become more advanced and widespread among the population, there will be an increasing potential for PGHD to facilitate personalized, efficient, and collaborative care resulting in improved health outcomes for children and adolescent and young adult. More research and innovation is needed to facilitate this transition.

Mobile health use predicts self-efficacy and self-management in adolescents with sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with significant health challenges that often worsen during adolescence. Living with SCD requires a substantial amount of self-management and mobile health (mHealth) holds considerable promise for assessing and changing behaviors to improve health outcomes. We integrated a mobile app as an adjunct to a group intervention (SCThrive) and hypothesized that more engagement with the mHealth app would increase self-management and self-efficacy for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with SCD. Twenty-six AYA ages 13-21 years (54% female; 46% HbSS genotype; all African-American/Black) received six weekly group sessions (three in-person, three online). Participants were provided with the mobile app (iManage for SCD) to record progress on their self-management goals and log pain and mood symptoms. The Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ-5) assessed self-management skills and the Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13) assessed self-efficacy at baseline and post-treatment. Logging on to the app more frequently was associated higher mood ratings (r = .54, CI[.18, .77], p = .006) and lower pain ratings (r = -.48, CI[-.77, -.02], p = .04). Regression analyses demonstrated that after controlling for scores at baseline, the number of logins to the app predicted self-management skills (p = .05, η2 = .17) and possibly self-efficacy (p = .08, η2 = .13). Our study findings indicate that it can be challenging to maintain engagement in mHealth for AYA with SCD, but for those who do engage, there are significant benefits related to self-management, self-efficacy, and managing pain and mood.

Effects of a symptom management intervention based on group sessions combined with a mobile health application for persons living with HIV in China: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a symptom management intervention (SMI) based on symptom management group sessions combined with a mobile health (mHealth) application (app) on the knowledge of symptom management, the certainty of symptom self-management, symptom severity, symptom distress, medication adherence, social support, and quality of life among persons living with HIV (PLWH) in China.

METHODS

A parallel randomized controlled trial with 61 PLWH was conducted in Shanghai, China. The participants in the control group (n = 30) downloaded the Symptom Management (SM) app according to their needs and preferences, and received routine follow-ups. The participants in the intervention group (n = 31) were guided to download and use the SM app, and received four tailored weekly group sessions at routine follow-ups. Each group session lasted for approximately 2 h and targeted one of the major modules of the SM app. All the outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900024821).

RESULTS

The symptom management knowledge and certainty of symptom self-management were significantly improved after the intervention (all P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the scores of symptoms reasons knowledge score improved 11.47 points (95% CI: 3.41, 19.53) and scores of symptoms self-management knowledge score improved 12.80 points (95% CI: 4.55, 21.05) in the intervention group after controlling for covariates. However, other outcomes did not show statistically significant differences between the intervention group and the control group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The SMI could improve PLWH's symptom management knowledge and certainty of symptom self-management. Multi-center studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are needed to further understand the effects of SM app on ameliorating symptom severity and symptom distress. More innovative strategies are also needed to promote and maintain the sustainability of the SM app.

Biopsychosocial Predictors of Quality of Life in Paediatric Patients With Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) refers to a group of inherited blood disorders with considerable morbidity that causes severe pain, reduces life expectancy, and requires significant self-management. Acute painful episodes are the hallmark of SCD, but persistent daily pain is also highly prevalent in this population. Characterising the impact and experience of SCD-related morbidity (i.e., sleep disruption, frequent emergency department visits, cognitive dysfunction) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) requires multiple assessment methods to best capture the underlying mechanisms. To gain a greater understanding of the effect of common symptom categories on HRQOL and to determine potential pain coping targets, the present study investigated whether demographic, socioeconomic, sleepiness, pain burden, frequency of emergency department (ED) visits, and cognition predicted HRQOL in a paediatric sample of patients with SCD. Our study was a secondary analysis of baseline assessment data of children with SCD aged 8-15 years (n = 30) in the Prevention of Morbidity in Sickle Cell Anaemia Phase 2b (POMSb2) randomised controlled clinical trial of auto-adjusting continuous positive airways pressure. Patients completed cognitive testing (IQ, Processing Speed Index, Delis-Kaplan Executive Function Scale (DKEFS) Tower, Conner's Continuous Performance Test), sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), and HRQOL (PedsQL Sickle Cell Module) at baseline. Patients reported pain burden (Sickle Cell Pain Burden Inventory-Youth) each month over 8 visits. Caregivers provided demographic information and reported their child's executive function (Behavioural Rating Inventory of Executive Function) at baseline. Data from our analysis demonstrated that demographic factors (i.e., age, gender, level of neighbourhood deprivation) and treatment variables (i.e., hydroxyurea use) did not independently predict HRQOL, and laboratory values (i.e., haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean oxygen saturation) were not significantly correlated with HRQOL (ps > 0.05). However, sleepiness, pain burden, ED visits, and executive dysfunction independently predicted HRQOL (R ² = 0.66) with large effects (η² = 0.16 to 0.32). These findings identify specific, measurable symptom categories that may serve as targets to improve HRQOL that are responsive to change. This knowledge will be useful for multimodal interventions for paediatric patients with SCD that include sleep management, pain coping strategies, and executive function training.

Patient-reported Outcome Measures in Pediatric Non-Malignant Hematology: A Systematic Review

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are questionnaires completed by patients or caregivers without influence by health care professionals. As such, PROMs show subjective health experiences, enhance the clinical information available to providers, and inform clinical action. The objective of this systematic review is to identify and list which validated PROMs have been used to monitor health-related quality of life in pediatric patients with nonmalignant hematology (hemophilia, immune thrombocytopenia, sickle cell disease, and thalassemia). Databases (MEDLINE, Embase, HaPI, CINAHL, and PsycTESTS) were searched to identify publications that validated or used PROMs as an outcome measure in the 4 disease groups. Overall, 209 articles met the inclusion criteria, identifying 113 PROMs. Of the 113 identified PROMs, 95 are generic and can be used in multiple disease groups. The Pediatric Quality of Life Generic Core Scales was the most frequently used generic PROM (68 studies). The 18 remaining PROMs were disease specific. The results of this review, together with the COSMIN tool for selecting outcome measures, will allow clinicians to evaluate the PROMs that are best suited to their patient population. In addition, the focus groups are currently being conducted with patients, parents, and clinicians to determine the optimal use of PROMs in the clinical environment.

Feasibility of an mHealth self-management intervention for children and adolescents with sickle cell disease and their families

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hemoglobinopathy that leads to blood vessel occlusion and multiorgan complications, including pain, that may be experienced daily. Symptom management often begins at home, and tools are needed to support self-management strategies that can be implemented by children with SCD and families. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of the mHealth self-management intervention (application) Voice Crisis Alert V2 for children with SCD and families. Feasibility assessment was guided by the Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework. Data were collected with 60 dyads (children with SCD/caregivers) at four time points. Self-management data were collected via application use, and postintervention interviews were conducted. Analyses included descriptive statistics and constant comparison with directed content analysis. Recruitment was completed in 28 weeks, with 82% retention at end-of-intervention. Mobile Application Rating Scale scores and interview data indicated high satisfaction. From baseline to mid-intervention, 94% of dyads used the application (75% of total use); 45% used the application from mid-intervention to the end-of-intervention. Dyads made 2,384 actions in the application; the most commonly used features were recording health history and recording and tracking symptoms. Few reported issues with the application; most issues occurred early in the study and were corrected. After the intervention period was completed, 37% continued to use the application. Feasibility was confirmed by meeting recruitment and retention goals, high adoption of the application, and high reported satisfaction with the application. Challenges with sustained use were encountered, and areas for improvement were identified.

Use of Wise Device Technology to Measure Adherence to Hydroxyurea Therapy in Youth With Sickle Cell Disease

Despite broad support for hydroxyurea (HU) therapy, suboptimal adherence is reported for youth with sickle cell disease. Valid adherence measurement is crucial to understanding the relationship between medication behavior, disease response, and patient-centered health outcomes. The current pilot study examined the feasibility of the Wise electronic device for longitudinal HU adherence measurement in a sample of 36 youths prescribed HU. The study also explored the association between HU adherence, as measured by the Wise device, with other adherence measures (ie, family report, lab values, pill count, and medication possession ratio). A measure of family-reported acceptability was also completed. Overall, results supported the feasibility of the Wise device (rate of consent=82%, device use=75%, device failure=3%) for HU adherence measurement and most families rated their experience using their device positively (favorable responses ranged from 67% to 100%). Associations between HU adherence, as measured by the Wise device, and other adherence measures were not significant. Overall, the feasibility was supported. The Wise device allows longitudinal measurement of adherence with HU from initiation as a young child (ie, with liquid formulations) through adolescence and provides a novel means of adherence measurement for both clinical and research use.

Text Messaging Adherence Intervention for Adolescents and Young Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial and Stakeholder Interviews

Background

Up to one-third of adolescents and young adults (11-21 years old) with chronic kidney disease exhibit suboptimal rates of adherence to renal-protective antihypertensive medications. Mobile health interventions may promote higher adherence to these medicines in these individuals, but empirical research is needed to inform best practices for applying these modalities.

Objective

In this multiphase investigation, we developed and tested a theoretically informed text messaging intervention based on the COM-B model, a well-established health intervention framework stating that capability, opportunity, and motivation interactively modify health behaviors, to improve participants’ antihypertensive medication adherence in a pilot randomized controlled trial. Qualitative data on user experiences were obtained.

Methods

In phase 1, intervention messages (Reminder+COM-B Message) were developed via stakeholder engagement of participants and pediatric nephrologists. In phase 2, the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention was tested against a Reminder-only Message active control condition in an 8-week pilot randomized controlled trial. The primary outcome was daily electronically monitored antihypertensive medication adherence and secondary outcomes included pre-post participant surveys of adherence self-efficacy, adherence barriers, outcome expectancies for taking medicine, and motivation for and importance of taking medicine. In phase 3, qualitative interviews related to user experiences were conducted with participants in the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention group.

Results

Following phase 1, 34 participants (mean age 16.59 years, 41% female, 38% African American/Black, 35% hypertension diagnosis) completed the phase 2 pilot randomized controlled trial (n=18 in the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention group, n=16 in the Reminder-only Message active control group). All participants in the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention group completed a phase 3 qualitative interview. Overall, study procedures were feasible and the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention was acceptable to the participants (eg, 15/18 participants reported reading the majority of messages sent to them, 0/18 reported that the messages reduced their desire to take medicine). Prerandomization, there were no significant group differences in the rate of change in daily adherence over time. However, postrandomization, there was a significant group by time interaction (B=.01, P=.04) in which daily adherence decreased significantly over time in the Reminder-only Message active control group but remained stable in the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention group. There were no significant differences between groups in pre-post changes in survey responses. Qualitative interviews revealed participants’ perceptions of how the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention changed adherence behavior and highlighted several areas for improving the intervention (eg, adapt messaging timing, intensity, and content to match daily adherence, send praise when medicine is taken).

Conclusions

The Reminder+COM-B Message intervention was feasible and acceptable to adolescents/young adults and demonstrated potential to promote participants’ daily medication adherence beyond simple reminders. Further research is needed to determine the Reminder+COM-B Message intervention’s mechanisms of adherence behavior change and to incorporate qualitative participant feedback into a modified version of this intervention to enhance its acceptability.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03651596; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03651596

Development and Usability Evaluation of a Facebook-Based Intervention Program for Childhood Cancer Patients: Mixed Methods Study

Background

Childhood cancers previously considered to be incurable now have 5-year survival rates up to 84%. Nevertheless, these patients remain at risk of morbidity and mortality from therapy-related complications. Thus, patient education and self-management strategies for promoting a healthy lifestyle are of tantamount importance for improving short- and long-term health outcomes. A Facebook-based “Healthy Teens for Soaam” (a Korean term for childhood cancers) program was developed to help improve knowledge and self-management practices of teens with cancer related to their disease and treatment.

Objective

The two-fold purpose of this usability study was (1) to describe the process of developing an 8-week Facebook-based intervention program for teens with cancer, and (2) to evaluate its usability to refine the program.

Methods

Multiple phases and methods were employed to develop and evaluate the usability of the program. Study phases included: (1) needs assessment through focus group interviews and qualitative content analysis, (2) development of module content, (3) expert review and feedback on module content, (4) Facebook-based program development, (5) usability evaluation by heuristic evaluation, (6) usability evaluation by targeted end-user testing, and (7) modification and final version of the program. Usability of the final version was confirmed through feedback loops of these phases.

Results

Based on 6 focus group discussion sessions, it was determined that teens with cancer were interested in seeing stories of successful childhood cancer cases and self-management after discharge, and preferred multimedia content over text. Therefore, each Facebook module was redesigned to include multimedia materials such as relevant video clips tailored for teens. Usability assessed by heuristic evaluation and user testing revealed several critical usability issues, which were then revised. Potential end users tested the final program and perceived it to be usable and useful for teens with cancer.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, “Healthy Teens for Soaam” is the first Facebook-based intervention program for teens with cancer. We actively worked with current childhood cancer patients and survivors to develop and improve this program, achieved good usability, and met the expressed needs and preferences of target end users. This 8-week Facebook-based educational program for teens with cancer, developed as the first step of an upcoming intervention study, will be useful for improving knowledge and self-management strategies of teens.

Psychosocial Burden of Childhood Sickle Cell Disease on Caregivers in Kenya

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the types and magnitude of psychosocial burden present in caregivers who have a child with sickle cell disease (SCD) in Kenya and to identify predictors of caregiver psychosocial burden, including disease severity and financial hardship.

METHODS

Primary caregivers (N = 103) of children aged 1-10 years diagnosed with SCD completed surveys assessing multiple domains of caregiver quality of life (QOL), adjustment to child illness, mental health, and financial hardship. Descriptive statistics characterize psychosocial burden, and linear models assess associations.

RESULTS

On indicators of QOL, caregivers report multiple difficulties across most domains, including daily activities and physical, social, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Daily activities emerged as most burdensome. On indicators of parental adjustment to chronic illness, guilt and worry emerged as the greatest concern, followed by long-term uncertainty and unresolved sorrow and anger; relative to these, they reported higher levels of emotional resources. Financial hardship was high, as caregivers reported moderate to major financial losses due to the time spent caring for their child. General linear model analyses revealed that level of financial hardship was a significant predictor of all negative psychosocial outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Results document that Kenyan caregivers of children with SCD experience difficulties across multiple domains of functioning and that financial difficulties are likely associated with psychosocial burden. Results can guide intervention development for caregivers of children with SCD in low-resource, global contexts.

A Systematic Review of Medication Adherence Interventions in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease

Objective

Adherence to medication regimens is of critical importance in sickle cell disease (SCD). Most notably, data indicate that hydroxyurea, penicillin, and iron chelators increase life expectancy and decrease comorbid medical problems (e.g., strokes). However, average pediatric SCD adherence rates are only 55–74%. Studies have introduced interventions for pediatric SCD adherence, but no review has synthesized these data.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of interventions for enhancing medication adherence in pediatric SCD. There were 9 studies that met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Pediatric Self-Management Model provided a framework for organizing the modifiable factors targeted by existing interventions.

Results

The 9 studies had high risk of bias levels and most targeted hydroxyurea. All studies used multiple measures of adherence, the interventions were multicomponent, and most included behavioral or technological interventions. There was variability in terms of whether the intervention targeted the individual, family, community, or healthcare system.

Conclusions

Consistent with the broader adherence literature, targeting knowledge alone was insufficient in increasing adherence. Findings suggest that reminders and targeting self-efficacy were key to success. In addition, addressing multiple domains in an intervention yielded larger effects on adherence. Although these results are promising, this review highlights several limitations of the extant literature, including a paucity of intervention studies and several methodological weaknesses, such as small sample sizes, few randomized controlled trials, and variable measures of adherence. Recommendations for advancing scientific understanding of adherence promoting interventions in pediatric SCD are provided.

Web-Based Technology to Improve Disease Knowledge Among Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease: Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Advancements in treatment have contributed to increased survivorship among children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Increased transition readiness, encompassing disease knowledge and self-management skills before transfer to adult care, is necessary to ensure optimal health outcomes. The Sickle Cell Transition E-Learning Program (STEP) is a public, Web-based, 6-module tool designed to increase transition readiness for youth with SCD.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to investigate the participation rate of youth with SCD in STEP and its association with transition readiness.

METHODS

This was a single-center, Institution Review Board-approved, retrospective cohort review. A total of 183 youths with SCD, aged between 12 and 15 years, were offered STEP as an adjunct to in-clinic disease education sessions. Participation rate (number of patients who used at least one STEP module divided by those approached) was calculated. The association among the number of STEP modules completed, disease knowledge, and self-management was explored.

RESULTS

Overall, 53 of the 183 approached adolescents completed at least one STEP module, yielding a participation rate in STEP of 29.0%. Of the 53 participants, 37 and 39 adolescents had disease knowledge and self-management confidence rating available, respectively. A positive correlation (r=0.47) was found between the number of STEP modules completed and disease knowledge scores (P=.003). No association was found between the number of modules completed and self-management confidence ratings. Disease knowledge scores were significantly higher among participants who completed ≥3 STEP modules compared with those who completed <3 STEP modules (U=149.00; P=.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Improvement in disease knowledge in adolescence is critical to ensure the youth's ability to self-care during the period of transition to adult care. Despite low participation, the cumulative exposure to the STEP program suggested greater promotion of disease knowledge among adolescents with SCD before transfer to adult care.

Does a Mobile app improve patients' knowledge of stroke risk factors and health-related quality of life in patients with stroke? A randomized controlled trial

Background

Developing a stroke health-education mobile app (SHEMA) and examining its effectiveness on improvement of knowledge of stroke risk factors and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with stroke.

Methods

We recruited 76 stroke patients and randomly assigned them to either the SHEMA intervention (n = 38) or usual care where a stroke health-education booklet was provided (n = 38). Knowledge of stroke risk factors and HRQOL were assessed using the stroke-knowledge questionnaire and European Quality of Life–Five Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire, respectively.

Results

Sixty-three patients completed a post-test survey (the SHEMA intervention, n = 30; traditional stroke health-education, n = 33). Our trial found that patients’ mean knowledge score of stroke risk factors was improved after the SHEMA intervention (Mean difference = 2.83; t = 3.44; p = .002), and patients’ knowledge was also improved in the after traditional stroke health-education (Mean difference = 2.79; t = 3.68; p = .001). However, patients after the SHEMA intervention did not have significantly higher changes of the stroke knowledge or HRQOL than those after traditional stroke health-education.

Conclusions

Both the SHEMA intervention and traditional stroke health-education can improve patients’ knowledge of stroke risk factors, but the SHEMA was not superior to traditional stroke health-education.

Trial registration

NCT02591511 Verification Date 2015-10-01.

GSTM1 and Liver Iron Content in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia and Iron Overload

Chronic blood transfusions in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) cause iron overload, which occurs with a degree of interpatient variability in serum ferritin and liver iron content (LIC). Reasons for this variability are unclear and may be influenced by genes that regulate iron metabolism. We evaluated the association of the copy number of the glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) gene and degree of iron overload among patients with SCA. We compared LIC in 38 children with SCA and ≥12 lifetime erythrocyte transfusions stratified by GSTM1 genotype. Baseline LIC was measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), R2*MRI within 3 months prior to, and again after, starting iron unloading therapy. After controlling for weight-corrected transfusion burden (mL/kg) and splenectomy, mean pre-chelation LIC (mg/g dry liver dry weight) was similar in all groups: GSTM1 wild-type (WT) (11.45, SD±6.8), heterozygous (8.2, SD±4.52), and homozygous GSTM1 deletion (GSTM1-null; 7.8, SD±6.9, p = 0.09). However, after >12 months of chelation, GSTM1-null genotype subjects had the least decrease in LIC compared to non-null genotype subjects (mean LIC change for GSTM1-null = 0.1 (SD±3.3); versus -0.3 (SD±3.0) and -1.9 (SD±4.9) mg/g liver dry weight for heterozygous and WT, respectively, p = 0.047). GSTM1 homozygous deletion may prevent effective chelation in children with SCA and iron overload.

Current and emerging treatments for sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited blood disorders affecting the hemoglobin, shortening the lifespan of erythrocytes, and causing them to take on a distinctive sickled shape that can lead to vaso-occlusion. Current treatment aims to reduce morbidity and mortality through hydroxyurea, erythrocyte transfusion, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This article reviews the disease process, typical presentations, complications, and acute and chronic treatment options.