Jamaican Doctor, Anya Mclaren recognized for her ground breaking research in the treatment of sickle cell disease

Dr Anya McLaren has received the prestigious Paediatrics Scientific Abstract Award from the American Thoracic Society (ATS) for her groundbreaking research in sickle cell disease.

McLaren, received the honor at the American Thoracic Society International conference held in San Francisco recently for her research on the effects of hydroxyurea on pulmonary function decline in children with sickle cell disease.

“Persons with sickle cell disease experience an annual decline in lung function that starts in childhood,” said McLaren.

In her research, McLaren and her team concluded that the drug hydroxyurea improves pulmonary function in children with sickle cell disease by more than one-third. For the research, 94 research study participants ages 6 to 20 years were followed for 4 years.

McLaren is a pediatrician specializing in respiratory medicine at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, and the award is given to medical researchers in recognition of their exceptional contribution to the area of pediatrics.

In accepting the award, McLaren expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the honor and for what the study will mean for the treatment of juvenile sickle cell disease in the future.

Sickle cell disease is a severe hereditary form of anemia that results in n which there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen throughout the body. It tends to be more common in people of African descent.

Read more: Jamaica Gleaner