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Neurological complications of sickle cell anaemia at KNH: a five year retrospective study
E O Amayo1, J N Owade, J R Aluoch
1Department of Medicine, College of Health Science, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Insights
Neurological complications affect 5% of patients with sickle cell disease (SS). This study found fewer recurrences, especially with hypertransfusion, suggesting improved management strategies for these neurological issues.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hematology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SS) is a genetic blood disorder.
- Neurological complications are a significant concern in patients with SS.
- Understanding the pattern and recurrence of these complications is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and types of neurological complications in a cohort of patients with homozygous sickle cell disease (SS).
- To analyze the recurrence rate of neurological complications in this patient group.
- To evaluate the potential impact of hypertransfusion on complication recurrence.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 360 patients diagnosed with homozygous sickle cell disease (SS).
- Data collection on patient demographics, neurological diagnoses, and treatment interventions.
- Analysis of complication incidence, types, and recurrence over a five-year period.
Main Results:
- Eighteen patients (5%) experienced neurological complications, with ages ranging from 7 months to 21 years.
- Cerebrovascular accident (12 patients) and convulsions (6 patients) were the most common complications.
- A low recurrence rate was observed (1 patient), with no recurrences in hypertransfused patients.
Conclusions:
- Neurological complications are present in a notable percentage of individuals with sickle cell disease (SS).
- The observed low recurrence rate, particularly in hypertransfused patients, suggests potential benefits of this intervention.
- Findings align with existing literature but highlight a potentially lower recurrence pattern in this cohort.
Abstract:
In a five year retrospective study of 360 patients with homozygous (SS) sickle cell disease, eighteen (5%) were found to have neurological complications. Their ages ranged from 7 months to 21 years with a mean of 11.1 +/- 6 years. Of those with neurological complications, twelve (67%) of the patients had cerebrovascular accident, six (33.3%) convulsions, three visual disturbance; one sensorineural deafness, one cerebellar degeneration and the last one confusion and hallucinations. Four of the patients had multiple neurological complications. There was only one patient with recurrence of neurological complications. Two patients were hypertransfused and up to the end of the study period none of them had any recurrence. The pattern of neurological complications are similar to that observed in other studies. However, in this study, there were fewer recurrences of neurological complications.