What does the STOP Protocol refer to in stroke prevention for sickle cell disease?

• A. Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia
• B. Stroke Protocol for Sickle Cell
• C. Sickle Cell Anemia Stroke Trial
• D. Sickle Cell Prevention Protocol

Answer: (A)

The STOP Protocol refers to the stroke prevention approach studied in the Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia. This trial established that for children with sickle cell disease who have abnormal transcranial Doppler velocities (indicating high stroke risk), initiating regular chronic transfusion therapy markedly reduces the chance of a first stroke. The protocol involved maintaining a low proportion of hemoglobin S (HbS) through ongoing transfusions, effectively lowering sickling in the cerebral vessels and preventing stroke. This is why it’s the best answer: it directly names the trial that defined this preventive strategy. The other options don’t reflect the actual trial name or its established protocol for stroke prevention in sickle cell disease.