The Mortality of Adults With Sickle Cell Disease at a Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hemoglobinopathy in North America. The life expectancy of SCD has extended into adulthood with screenings, preventative care, and hydroxyurea. However, comorbidities arise as adults with SCD age, leading to early mortality.

We conducted a retrospective chart review of the Georgia Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Grady Health System, analyzing records of deceased SCD patients from 2013 to 2020.

Amongst the 72 patients analysed, majority had severe complications from SCD and at least 1 cardiovascular comorbidity. The median age of death was 44 (STD = 15.5) for all genotypes with the median age of death at 39 (STD = 14.26) for SS and Sβ0 genotypes (n = 51). There was no difference in the median age of death for patients who maintained regular clinic visits (a visit in the last 6 months prior to death) compared to those who did not. Despite hydroxyurea's known benefits in reducing SCD morbidity and mortality, less than 50% of patients had a prescription.

As new therapies are approved, their impact on SCD-related morbidity and mortality must be evaluated. Improving access to, and education about, disease-modifying therapies like hydroxyurea for both patients and clinicians is essential to improving outcomes.