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Published on: March 14, 2017
Sickle cell hemoglobin C disease in Saudi Arabia
Zakaria M Al-Hawsawi1, Mohammed S Islam, Nabil S Shehata
1Department of Pediatrics, Madinah Maternity & Children's Hospital, PO Box 6205, Madinah Al-Munawara, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. zhawsawi@yahoo.com.
Saudi Medical Journal
|April 12, 2003
Summary
Sickle cell hemoglobin C (HbSC) disease, typically found in West African populations, has been newly identified in Saudi Arabia. Two patients in the western region presented with this condition, one experiencing severe symptoms including transient hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Genetic Disorders
- Population Health
Background:
- Sickle cell hemoglobin C (HbSC) disease is a genetic blood disorder.
- HbSC is predominantly observed in individuals of West African ancestry.
- The disease has not been previously documented in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Observation:
- Two cases of HbSC disease were identified in the western province of KSA (Madinah).
- One patient exhibited a severe presentation of the disease.
- This severe case included the symptom of transient hypertension.
Findings:
- This report marks the first documentation of HbSC disease in Saudi Arabia.
- The findings indicate a potential expansion of the geographic distribution of HbSC.
- The presence of severe disease and hypertension highlights the clinical spectrum in this population.
Implications:
- These findings necessitate increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance for HbSC in KSA.
- Further research is warranted to understand the prevalence and genetic factors of HbSC in Saudi Arabia.
- Clinical management strategies may need to be adapted for this newly identified population.
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