Avascular necrosis in sickle cell disease needs more definitive treatment options.

Abstract

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a bone disease caused by a temporary or definitive loss of the blood supply to bone resulting in cellular death. In people with sickle cell disease (SCD), AVN is one of the most common causes of severe chronic pain. Currently, there are very few treatment options for AVN and the current study by Casale et al. demonstrates how the use of patient-reported outcomes can bring us one step closer to identifying optimal treatments for this debilitating condition in SCD. Commentary on: Casale et al. Long-term outcomes of Avascular Necrosis in Sickle Cell Disease using joint-specific patient-reported outcome measures: Results from a multicentre study. Br J Haematol 2024 (Online ahead of print). doi: 10.1111/bjh.19802.