Sex Hormones and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease

Sex Hormones and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease

This study aims to characterize sex differences in the pathophysiology of vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) occurring among individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD).

• The study will compare CRP and other biomarkers between females with SCD in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and males with SCD.
• The study will explore potential sex differences in biomarker changes between females and males with SCD during and following resolution of VOC.
• The study will compare neutrophil and platelet adhesion to the endothelium and real time fibrin deposition in the blood.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult males and females aged 18-45
• Diagnosis of sickle cell disease
• current hospitalization for vaso-occlusive pain episode or current outpatient infusion at the recruiting sites
• Able to read and understand English
• Willing to comply with study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently pregnant, pregnant within the last month, or seeking to become pregnant