Structural and functional changes in arteries are increasingly being recognized as significant features of sickle cell disease and arterial function in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is gaining importance.~The goal of this observational study is to compare arterial parameters in children with sickle cell disease who have normal or abnormal Transcranial Doppler velocity. The main question it aims to answer is: whether there is a significant difference in arterial Function parameters measured by aortic pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, brachial and central blood pressure in Jamaican children with Sickle Cell anaemia who attend the Sickle Cell Unit in Kingston Jamaica who are reported to have normal or an abnormal Transcranial Doppler velocity and whether the probability of having an abnormal Transcranial Doppler velocity or higher arterial function parameters is increased by specific biophysical markers.~Participants who are identified will be informed about the study and potential risks. All patients giving written informed consent will then undergo arterial function (arteriograph,TensioMed® Arteriograph24™,Budapest, H-1181 Hungary), Transcranial Doppler, haematological and biochemical measurements.~Researchers will compare children with sickle cell disease who have normal Transcranial Doppler velocity and no history of stroke with children with this illness who have an abnormal Transcranial Doppler velocity to see if there are significant differences in regional arterial function.
Structural and functional changes in arteries are increasingly being recognized as significant features of sickle cell disease. This study aims to determine whether there are differences in arterial function parameters between children with sickle cell disease with normal and abnormal transcranial Doppler velocity. After informed consent is obtained, participants will have vascular, Transcranial Doppler, haematological and biochemical parameters measured. Researchers will compare children with sickle cell disease who have normal Transcranial Doppler velocity and no history of stroke with children with those who have an abnormal Transcranial Doppler velocity with or without a history of stroke to see if there are significant differences in arterial function parameters.