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Updated: Jan 18, 2026
A Precision Medicine Tool for Measurement and Monitoring of Hemoglobin S in Sickle Cell Disease Patients Receiving Transfusion Therapy
Sickle cell anemia and early stroke detection and prevention in Nigeria
Kudirat Abdulkareem Ahmed1, Halima Bello-Manga2, Lori C Jordan3
1Department of Pediatrics, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Insights
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) disproportionately affects Nigerian children, leading to devastating strokes. Early detection and prevention strategies are crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality in this high-burden population.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a global hereditary blood disorder, with sickle cell anemia (SCA) being the most severe form.
- Nigeria bears the world's highest burden of SCA, a condition significantly linked to stroke in children.
- Strokes in children with SCA, particularly those aged 2-5, present a major health challenge with high morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in stroke prevention and early detection for children with SCA in Nigeria.
- To identify current challenges and future objectives for managing SCA-related strokes in a resource-limited setting.
Main Methods:
- This manuscript reviews existing literature and clinical experiences regarding stroke in pediatric SCA patients in Nigeria.
- It focuses on strategies for prevention, early detection, and management within the context of resource constraints.
Main Results:
- Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Nigerian children with SCA, with a notable risk in early childhood.
- Underreporting of stroke cases is common in resource-constrained nations, highlighting the need for improved surveillance and awareness.
- Community and healthcare provider awareness are key to reducing stroke incidence and improving detection rates.
Conclusions:
- Implementing effective stroke prevention and early detection strategies is critical for improving outcomes in Nigerian children with SCA.
- Addressing the high burden of SCA and its complications requires tailored approaches for low- and middle-income countries.
- Continued research and collaborative efforts are essential to combat the devastating impact of stroke in pediatric SCA.
Abstract:
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hereditary blood disorder worldwide, and sickle cell anemia (SCA), the homozygous state of SCD, is the most common and severe variant of the disease. Nigeria has the highest burden of SCA in the world. Hemolysis and vaso-occlusion can lead to a wide range of complications, including stroke which is one of the most devastating manifestations of SCA with significant morbidity and mortality. SCA remains the leading cause of stroke in black children. Without any intervention, strokes occur in approximately 11% of children with SCA before their 20th birthday, with the greatest risk in very young children between 2 and 5 years of age. In resource-constrained countries, where the burden of SCA is highest, stroke is underreported, hence the need to develop strategies for stroke prevention and early detection. Improving awareness among healthcare providers and the community can significantly reduce stroke rates and improve stroke detection. The goal of this manuscript is to discuss the progress that has been made in stroke prevention and detection in children with SCA in Nigeria and outline current challenges and future goals. We believe that our experience will be valuable not only in Nigeria which has the highest burden of SCA globally, but also in other low- and middle-income countries.
