SCD Medications Use and Pain Events Among SCD Patients in a Nigerian Hospital

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Pharmacology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder characterized by recurrent painful crises.
• Effective management of SCD requires understanding factors influencing crisis frequency, including medication use and associated symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the use of analgesics and disease-modifying medications and the frequency of painful crises in Nigerian SCD patients.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 85 SCD patients at a Nigerian teaching hospital.
• Data on demographics, clinical parameters, and medication use were collected via interviews and case file reviews.

Main Results:

• Hydroxyurea, Ciklavit, weak opiates (tramadol/codeine), and pentazocine showed significant associations with painful crises.
• Neuropathic pain symptoms like neuralgic pain, tingling, and hyperesthesia were also significantly linked to increased crisis frequency.
• Multivariate analysis confirmed hydroxyurea, Ciklavit, pentazocine, neuralgic pain, tingling, and hyperesthesia as factors associated with painful crises.

Conclusions:

• Hydroxyurea use is common, but access to newer therapies like l-glutamine is limited for SCD patients in Nigeria.
• Neuropathic pain is a significant factor in painful crises and requires concurrent management.
• Further exploration of newer pain medications, alongside Ciklavit, is recommended for improved SCD crisis management.