Pediatric Patients With Sickle Cell Disease At Harbor-Ucla & Early Experience Of L-Glutamine Therapy

Background.Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects millions of people worldwide, including >100,000 Americans, and is often complicated by acute crises. Complex pathophysiology makes it challenging to ameliorate SCD severity, which can be influenced by hydration and disease-modifying agents such as hydroxyurea (HU). Due to the increased metabolic demands of chronic illness, optimal nutrition and presumably antioxidant L-glutamine (Gln) may further contribute to disease control. Thus, we hypothesized that better nutrition and Gln adherence may reduce occurrences of pain crises in SCD.