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Cerebrovascular accident in sickle cell disease
Maqbool Alam1, Munir A Lodhi, Durab Khan
1Department of Hematology, Armed Forces Hospital, Sharourah, KSA. maqboolalam448@hotmail.com
Summary
Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients not adhering to regular blood transfusions risk recurrent stroke. This case highlights the critical importance of transfusion protocols in preventing serious complications like stroke in children with SCD.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder causing sickle-shaped red blood cells.
- SCD affects approximately 10% of children, leading to complications such as stroke.
- Regular blood transfusions are a common preventative measure against vaso-occlusion and stroke in SCD patients.
Observation:
- A case study of an 11-year-old girl with a known history of sickle cell disease.
- The patient did not consistently follow the recommended blood transfusion protocol.
- This non-adherence was followed by the occurrence of recurrent stroke.
Findings:
- The patient's irregular adherence to blood transfusion protocols correlated with the onset of recurrent stroke.
- This case underscores the link between transfusion compliance and the prevention of cerebrovascular events in pediatric SCD.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the necessity of strict adherence to blood transfusion schedules for managing sickle cell disease.
- Highlights the potential for severe neurological complications, including recurrent stroke, in non-compliant pediatric patients.
- Reinforces the role of prophylactic transfusions in mitigating stroke risk within the sickle cell disease population.