Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
Magnetic Levitation Coupled with Portable Imaging and Analysis for Disease Diagnostics
Published on: February 19, 2017
Age at diagnosis of sickle cell anaemia in lagos, Nigeria
So Akodu1, In Diaku-Akinwumi, Of Njokanma
1Department of Paediatric, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.
Insights
Early diagnosis of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in Nigerian children is crucial. While many are diagnosed before age three, diagnosis in infancy remains low, highlighting the need for improved screening strategies.
Area of Science:
- Paediatrics
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a prevalent genetic disorder globally and in Nigeria.
- Delayed diagnosis of SCA in children causes significant parental distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ascertain the age at diagnosis for children with SCA in Lagos, Nigeria.
- To identify factors influencing the timing of SCA diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 192 children aged 6 months to 15 years with SCA.
- Data collected via structured questionnaires at a tertiary hospital in Lagos, Nigeria.
Main Results:
- The mean age for haemoglobin genotype confirmation was 27.33 months.
- Earlier diagnosis was observed in males, children from upper social strata, and smaller families.
- A significant proportion (75%) were diagnosed before three years of age.
Conclusions:
- Infant diagnosis rates for SCA are suboptimal.
- Routine newborn screening or screening by 6-9 months is recommended for early sickle cell anaemia detection.
Background:
Sickle cell anaemia is the most common genetic disorder worldwide as well as in Nigeria. Delay in the diagnosis of the condition constitutes an important cause of concern for caretakers of affected children.
Objective:
To determine the age at diagnosis in a population of children with sickle cell anaemia in Lagos, Nigeria.
Methodology:
The study was conducted between October and December 2009 at the sickle cell clinic of the Department of Paediatrics of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos in South west Nigeria. By convenience sampling, a total of 192 children with sickle cell anaemia aged six months to 15 years were interviewed with the aid of a structured questionnaire.
Results:
Overall, the mean age at confirmation of haemoglobin genotype was 27.33 months (± 26. 36 months). The mean age at diagnosis was significantly lower among males than females (25.59 ± 27.74 Vs. 29.14 ± 24.85, p = 0.04). A quarter of the children were diagnosed before infancy and three-quarters before three years of age. Upper social stratum and small family size were significantly associated with earlier diagnosis of sickle cell anaemia.
Conclusion:
Too few subjects are diagnosed in infancy. Routine screening should ideally be done at birth and neonatal period or at the latest, between six and nine months.
