LAUSR

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is one of the most common inherited blood disorders in the world, characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia and recurrent vasoocclusive pain episodes. Pulmonary complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Individuals with SCA have been shown to have a high prevalence of asthma, wheezing, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) (1, 2). Increased AHR has been demonstrated in individuals with SCA, both with and without a concomitant diagnosis of asthma (2, 3). Although previous studies have looked at the association between a history of acute chest syndrome (ACS) episodes and AHR to methacholine (4), investigators have not examined whether AHR to methacholine is a risk factor for future SCA-related morbidity (pain and ACS). Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the association between AHR to methacholine and future rates of hospitalization for pain and ACS.