Echocardiographic Markers of Elevated Pulmonary Pressure and Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction Are Associated With Exercise Intolerance in Adults and Adolescents With Homozygous Sickle Cell Anemia in the United States and United Kingdom

Abstract

Echocardiography-estimated elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure and LV lateral E/e' ratio were independently associated with poor exercise capacity in a large cohort of patients with sickle cell anemia. Controlled trials investigating whether strategies to prevent or delay pulmonary hypertension and/or LV diastolic dysfunction will improve exercise capacity and long-term outcomes in sickle cell anemia should be considered. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00492531.