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Neurocognitive Profile and Associated Factors Among Children Affected by Sickle Cell Disease in Kinshasa, Democratic
Patricia V M Lelo1,2, Faustin Nd Kitetele1,2, Marcel Kunyu3
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Kalembelembe Pediatric Hospital, Kinshasa 012, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Insights
Children with sickle cell disease in the DRC show significantly impaired neurocognitive development. Maternal depression is a key contributing factor, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and further research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Psychology
- Hematology
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) significantly impacts child development.
- Neurocognitive deficits are a known complication of SCD.
- Understanding these effects in low-resource settings like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the neurocognitive and developmental profiles of children with SCD in the DRC.
- To identify factors associated with neurocognitive outcomes in this population.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 287 children (0-68 months) with SCD.
- Neurocognitive assessment using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning and Gensini Gavito Scale.
- Screening for maternal depression (Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-10) and other relevant factors.
Main Results:
- 95.8% of children scored below average on the Mullen Scales, indicating widespread neurocognitive impairment.
- Significant associations were found between poor neurocognitive development and maternal depression, socioeconomic status, maternal education, and weaning practices.
- Maternal depression emerged as a critical factor influencing early neurocognitive development.
Conclusions:
- Children with SCD in the DRC exhibit significantly below-average cognitive development.
- Maternal depression is a key modifiable factor impacting neurocognitive outcomes.
- Longitudinal research is essential to understand long-term effects and inform targeted support strategies in the DRC.
Background/Objectives:
Understanding the neurocognitive profile of children with sickle cell disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo is essential, as this condition can significantly affect their development. Our study aims to assess these children's neurocognitive and developmental profiles and identify related factors.
Methods:
We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 287 children, aged 0 to 68 months, using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning and the Gensini Gavito Scale. We also screened for maternal depression using the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-10.
Results:
More than half of the participants were boys, with an average age of 4 years. Remarkably, 95.8% (score T < x¯ +2 SD) of children scored below average on the Mullen Scales. Significant associations were found between early neurocognitive development and factors like maternal depression, socioeconomic status, maternal education, age of weaning, and responses to the Ten-Questions Questionnaire (p < 0.005). Conclusion, children with sickle cell disease show below-average cognitive development, with maternal depression being a critical factor. Longitudinal studies are vital to understanding the long-term cognitive effects of sickle cell disease, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where targeted support is urgently needed.
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