Bibliographic information
GuidelineWHO consolidated guidelines for the management of common childhood illness: management of sickle-cell disease in children and adolescents
Year of Publication2026
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Recommendation
New
In children and adolescents (aged 2–16 years) with sickle-cell anaemia (SCA) and no prior abnormal transcranial Doppler (TCD) results, annual TCD ultrasound screening is recommended for primary prevention of stroke.
Recommended in favor
Strong
Certainty of evidence
Very low
Notes and Remarks
- Early identification of children at increased risk of stroke through TCD screening enables timely intervention and may help prevent serious complications such as stroke.
- In low-resource settings, standard ultrasound machines may be adapted for TCD screening using the appropriate probes, along with training of health care personnel at lower-level facilities.
- Patients and their families should be informed about the importance of stroke risk assessment and available options for primary stroke prevention, including regular TCD screening and follow-up care.