Norma B. Lerner, M.D., M.P.H.

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Dr. Lerner's research interests are:

1) Cerebrovascular damage and neurocognitive complications in children with sickle cell disease

2) Anti-platelet effects of aspirin in children

3) Newborn genetics screening for the hemoglobinopathies

4) Soluble CD40 Ligand and its role of pediatric coagulopathies

Neurologic complications secondary to cerebrovascular damage are prevalent in children with sickle cell disease. While chronic transfusion therapy has been shown to effectively prevent some of these complications, side effects and cost diminish its perceived value. Aspirin is a widely used anti-platelet agent that has proven efficacy in prevention studies involving adults with vascular disease.

Dr. Lerner has begun a three-year pilot trial to test the feasibility and safety of prophylactic aspirin administration in children with sickle cell disease between the ages of 3 and 10 years. This is a phase I/II randomized placebo-controlled double blind study. Pilot data regarding the effect of aspirin therapy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) studies, neuropsychological testing, and transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound will also be gathered. They anticipate a larger phase III trial to test the efficacy of prophylactic aspirin therapy for the prevention of neurologic complications in children with homozygous sickle cell disease in the future.

Specialty

Hematology / Oncology

Current Appointments

• Adjunct Professor - Department of Pediatrics (SMD)