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

Abstract

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 intimamedia 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.