Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Continuous Manual Exchange Transfusion for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: An Efficient Method to Avoid Iron Overload
05:23

Continuous Manual Exchange Transfusion for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: An Efficient Method to Avoid Iron Overload

Published on: March 14, 2017

Factors Associated With Electrocardiographic Abnormalities in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review

Parisa Zare1, Alireza Ahmadkhani2, Ehsan Taherifard1,3

  • 1Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

Pediatric Blood & Cancer
|February 14, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is linked to ECG abnormalities, especially during crises. Moderate SCD severity and lower hemoglobin levels increase the risk of cardiac issues, necessitating monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hematology
  • Medical Research

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) frequently leads to cardiovascular complications.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes are common indicators of cardiac involvement in SCD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and analyze factors associated with ECG abnormalities in patients with sickle cell disease.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted across five major databases.
  • Meta-analysis of 23 studies involving 2943 SCD patients was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software.
  • Effect sizes, including odds ratios and mean differences, were pooled using a random effects model.

Main Results:

  • Increased odds of prolonged QTc interval, ST segment elevation, and ST segment depression were observed during SCD crises.
  • Moderate SCD severity was associated with higher odds of any ECG abnormality compared to mild severity.
  • Lower mean hemoglobin levels were noted in patients with prolonged QTc intervals.

Conclusions:

  • SCD status, severity, and hemoglobin levels are significantly associated with ECG abnormalities.
  • Routine ECG assessments and cardiac monitoring are crucial for SCD patients.
  • Caution is advised with QTc-prolonging medications in this high-risk population.
Abstract

Keywords:
QTc prolongationcardiac arrhythmiascardiovascular diseaseselectrocardiographysickle cell crisissickle cell diseasesickle cell severity

More Related Videos

Characterization of Sickling During Controlled Automated Deoxygenation with Oxygen Gradient Ektacytometry08:23

Characterization of Sickling During Controlled Automated Deoxygenation with Oxygen Gradient Ektacytometry

Published on: November 5, 2019

Microelectrode Array Recording of Sinoatrial Node Firing Rate to Identify Intrinsic Cardiac Pacemaking Defects in Mice09:20

Microelectrode Array Recording of Sinoatrial Node Firing Rate to Identify Intrinsic Cardiac Pacemaking Defects in Mice

Published on: July 5, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Multiple Allele Traits01:49

Multiple Allele Traits

The Concept of Multiple Allelism
33.9K
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias01:28

Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.
879
Electrocardiogram01:29

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a critical diagnostic tool that records the electrical signals produced by the heart during each heartbeat. This recording is achieved through electrodes placed strategically on the arms, legs, and chest. The electrocardiograph amplifies these signals and produces 12 distinct tracings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the heart's electrical activity.
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and...
2.1K
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:28

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow...
870
Electrocardiogram Fundamentals01:28

Electrocardiogram Fundamentals

Introduction
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool for identifying cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and myocardial ischemia.
Definition
An electrocardiogram (ECG) visualizes the heart's electrical activity by tracing the electrical movement associated with each heartbeat on a graph or monitor. As the heart beats, an electrical wave passes through it, correlating with the cardiac cycle events.
Parts of an ECG
An ECG utilizes electrodes on the skin...
475
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias01:16

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that lead to abnormal heartbeats. These irregularities can originate from different parts of the heart and are classified based on their origin and nature.
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism,...
170