Primary Stroke Prevention

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Blood transfusions exist as both a primary prevention for those at risk for stroke, and secondary prevention for those with a history of stroke. Primary stroke prevention in children at high risk of stroke includes chronic blood transfusions, and the use of these blood transfusions has led to a decline in the incidence of stroke in children with SCD. Indefinite chronic blood transfusions for primary and secondary stroke prevention can be burdensome for children and adults, requiring monthly visits to the clinic, and eventually chelation therapy for excessive iron stores associated with regular blood transfusions. The rate of stroke recurrence remains high in children and adults with a history of stroke despite chronic blood transfusion therapy.