Overview
- NYU researchers, in a peer‑reviewed study published Friday in JAMA Network Open, analyzed 42,200 New York sickle cell hospitalizations from 2009 to 2022.
- Long Island had the largest share of admissions labeled a major risk of death at about 10 percent and the highest average hospital charges at nearly $60,000.
- New York City saw the most hospitalizations but a lower share at major risk of death at about 5 percent, underscoring sharp regional differences in outcomes.
- Statewide severity worsened over time, with major severity cases rising from about 13 percent to 27 percent and major mortality risk from 3 percent to 13 percent, which researchers partly link to COVID‑related disruptions in care.
- Experts urge more specialist access, smoother transition from pediatric to adult care, better provider education, and wider use of effective and curative therapies, with Northwell opening an adult sickle cell center in Queens to serve NYC and Long Island patients.