Objective:To assess the effects of sickle cell anemia (SCA)-on the right ventricle (RV). Study design:Echocardiograms of 32 children with SCA were compared with age-matched healthy controls. RV measurements included diastolic area index,fractional area change,free-wall mass index,ejection time corrected for heart rate (ETc),and tricuspid regurgitation(TR) gradient. Results:SCA subjects had elevated RV ETc(mean ±standard deviation,0.369 ±0.030 sec vs 0.351 ±0.022 sec; P 2.5m/sec,consistent with pulmonary hypertension,were found in 5 (16%) of SCA subjects,all older than 9 years.Conclusions:RV preload and systolic function do not worsen during childhood in SCA; however,RV mass index and the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension increase consistent with rising pulmonary vascular resistance.
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