Researchers ID key drivers of heart complications in sickle cell anemia

Study opens path to earlier diagnosis, targeted therapies. Patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) develop heart complications and nearly a quarter die a sudden death. Now, researchers have linked malfunctioning molecular pathways to specific heart anomalies in SCA that result from progressive fibrosis and result in sudden death. The study opens a path to earlier noninvasive diagnosis and development of new targeted therapies to help SCA patients live longer with better quality of life.