Conclusion
Despite more than two decades of improved overall health care outcomes
for patients with SCD, the transition from pediatric to adult health
care continues to be associated with adverse health outcomes.
Advancements in the medical management of SCD have resulted in a growing
population of young adults living with SCD. Our analysis noted that all
young adult patients had increased hospitalizations with age, however,
only in the sickle cell cohort was there an increase in mortality with
increasing age. Specifically, we have shown that mortality between young
adults is 2-3x higher than in older teens. This highlights the necessity
of maximizing disease-modifying therapies and engaging in
transition-readiness programs that target social determinants of health.