Sickle Cell Disease: 'Brain Injury by Blood'

This special issue reviews the literature on the neuropsychological sequelae and CNS complications of pediatric sickle cell disease while also emphasizing the integration of neuro psychology which is critical for interfacing with these patients. Executive dysfunction related to frontal infarcts, neurocognitive benefit of hydroxyurea, and the influence of illness-related and psychosocial factors on neuropsychological outcomes are described. A controlled replication study of peer relationships and emotional well-being is equally informative about statistical considerations regarding small sample sizes and low-incidence illnesses. The much anticipated adolescent version of the Sickle Cell Self-Efficacy Scale is reported by the test authors.