New research from the Arnold School’s Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics has found disparities in mortality rates and life expectancy for Americans living with sickle cell disease or cystic fibrosis. The study, which was led by third-year doctoral student Hiluf Abraha and published in JAMA Pediatrics (the highest-ranked journal in the field), found that despite medical advances in the treatment of both conditions, individuals with sickle cell disease have experienced more modest gains in life expectancy compared to those with cystic fibrosis. Further, they are facing increased mortality rates, while deaths in the cystic fibrosis population have declined.
