Cardiovascular function in Omani children with sickle cell anaemia

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Hematology
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic blood disorder with known cardiovascular complications.
• Cardiac involvement in pediatric SCA requires further investigation to understand its impact on heart structure and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate cardiac chamber dimensions and function in children with SCA.
• To assess the prevalence of systolic murmurs and cardiomegaly in pediatric SCA patients.

Main Methods:

• Echocardiographic assessment of cardiac dimensions and function.
• Clinical examination for murmurs and cardiomegaly.
• Comparison of SCA patients with a control group.

Main Results:

• Systolic murmurs were present in 61% of SCA children.
• Cardiomegaly was detected in 39% of SCA children.
• SCA patients exhibited significantly higher left and right ventricular, left atrial, and aortic root dimensions compared to controls (p < 0.05).
• Dilated cardiac chambers were not linked to impaired systolic or diastolic left ventricular function.
• No significant pulmonary hypertension was observed in SCA patients.

Conclusions:

• Children with SCA frequently present with cardiac chamber dilation and murmurs.
• Despite cardiac dilation, left ventricular function and pulmonary artery pressures appear preserved in pediatric SCA.
• Regular cardiac monitoring is essential for children with SCA to detect potential structural changes.