MUSC Health Year in Review Great steps forward in 2014

Sickle Cell Disease Research Clinical Innovation

Evening the Odds for Sickle Cell Patients Far fewer resources are available for sickle cell patients than for patients with cancer › Only one drug, hydroxurea, has been approved to treat these patients › Julie Kanter, MD, is leading numerous clinical trials of new drugs › Excitement around a phase 1 trial of potentially curative gene therapy › New point-of-care blood test yields results within 15 minutes › Test could prevent patients from being stigmatized

“We always have to be looking for new ways to help patients.” Dr. Julie Kanter, Director of Sickle Cell Disease Research, stops to talk with the parent of a sickle cell patient.

MUSC Children’s Hospital Heart Health Program Clinical innovation

Heart Health: Small Steps Lead to Big Change Unhealthy diets and sedentary habits have left many children in the US with diseases like hypertension and diabetes Encouraging a healthier lifestyle in at-risk children is the goal of the Heart Health Program › Directed by Melissa H. Henshaw, MD › Recognizes that behavior change does not occur overnight › Provides children and their families consistent support › Encourages children and families to take one step at a time

“Our bodies are very valuable and we need to take care of them.” Dietician Janet Carter provides nutrition and weight management counseling to pediatric patients as part of the Heart Health Program. This service is now available through MUSC Health’s Center for Telehealth.

Heart Health by the Numbers According to September 2014 NRC data, MUSC Health’s cardiology program has been showing improvement in the most key metrics.