Pattern of Hemolytic Anemia Among Egyptian Pediatric Emergency Department Patients

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Hematology
• Emergency Medicine
• Clinical Genetics

Background:

• Emergency departments (EDs) are critical for hospital medical services.
• Data on pediatric hematological presentations in EDs are limited.
• Anemia affects 9-14% of pediatric ED patients; Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is prevalent globally but lacks screening in Egypt.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and causes of hemolytic crisis in Egyptian children presenting to the emergency department.
• To assess the burden of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency as a cause of hemolytic anemia in this population.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in the ED of New Children Hospital, Cairo University.
• Included 143 pediatric patients presenting with acute hemolytic crisis from March to June 2016.
• Patients were categorized into G6PD deficiency, chronic hemolytic anemia, and undiagnosed acute hemolytic anemia groups based on clinical assessment and laboratory tests.

Main Results:

• The study included 143 children (76.22% male, mean age 36 months).
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency was diagnosed in 53.1% of cases (76 patients).
• Chronic hemolytic anemia accounted for 25.2% (36 patients), and undiagnosed acute hemolytic anemia for 21.7% (31 patients).

Conclusions:

• Hemolytic anemia is a common reason for pediatric visits to the emergency department.
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the predominant cause of hemolytic anemia in this cohort.
• The findings highlight the significant burden of G6PD deficiency among Egyptian children presenting with hemolytic anemia.