Aim: Evaluation of the extracranial carotid Doppler blood flow velocities in Sickle cell disease children. Methods: A Cross-sectional study for 2 years duration included all the patients from 4 to 17 years of the age group of sickle cell disease. Extracranial carotid Doppler study is performed over bilateral common carotid arteries, external carotid arteries, internal carotid arteries, and vertebral arteries. Extracranial carotid Doppler blood flow velocities were noted in all arteries and categorized the patients into high risk, borderline risk, and normal velocity depending upon reference values for the risk for cerebrovascular accidents according to STOP trial. Also, a correlation of raised velocity with blood transfusion, hydroxyurea, and CNS symptoms were noted. The total sample size was 94. Data were analysed by chi-square test. Results: Of the total 94 sickle cell disease children, only 3 children showed increased carotid Doppler blood flow velocity. 2 (2.12%) out of 44 SS pattern patients who were not on hydroxyurea therapy showed increased extracranial carotid doppler blood flow velocities. 1 (1.06%) out of 45 AS pattern patients who were not on hydroxyurea therapy showed increased blood flow velocities. 2(2.12%) out of 26 SS pattern patients who never received a blood transfusion showed increased blood flow velocities.1(1.06%) out of 44 AS pattern patients who never received blood transfusion had increased blood flow velocities. 2 (2.12%) out of 44 SS patients who had CNS symptoms showed increased blood flow velocities. 1 (1.06%) out of 45 AS patients who had CNS symptoms showed increased blood flow velocities. Conclusion: Extracranial carotid Doppler blood flow velocities are not associated with blood transfusion, hydroxyurea therapy, and the presence of CNS symptoms.

STOP trial, extracranial carotid Doppler, sickle cell disease