Examining the influence of pain and fatigue on neurocognitive functioning in adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2023 Nov;70(11):e30621. doi: 10.1002/pbc.30621. Epub 2023 Aug 10.

Abstract

Pain and fatigue are among the most common and impactful complications of sickle cell disease (SCD). Individuals with SCD are also more likely to have neurocognitive deficits. Previous studies have suggested that pain and fatigue might influence neurocognitive functioning in patients with SCD. However, these studies are limited by small sample sizes and inadequate measurement of cognitive performance. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between pain and fatigue with neurocognitive functioning using performance-based measures of neurocognition. Pain and fatigue were not associated with neurocognitive performance. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Keywords: fatigue; neurocognitive functioning; pain; sickle cell disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell* / complications
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell* / psychology
  • Fatigue / etiology
  • Fatigue / psychology
  • Humans
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain / psychology
  • Quality of Life*
  • Young Adult