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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Continuous Manual Exchange Transfusion for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: An Efficient Method to Avoid Iron Overload
Published on: March 14, 2017
Iron deficiency in sickle cell anaemia in Nigerian children
Insights
Iron deficiency is common in children with sickle cell anemia, affecting nearly half of patients. Iron supplementation is not advised unless iron deficiency is confirmed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Nutritional Science
- Genetic Blood Disorders
Background:
- Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin.
- Iron status is a critical factor in overall health, particularly in growing children.
- Understanding iron metabolism in sickle cell anemia is essential for appropriate patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the iron status in children diagnosed with sickle cell anemia.
- To identify the prevalence and potential causes of iron deficiency in this population.
- To inform clinical guidelines regarding iron supplementation in pediatric sickle cell disease.
Main Methods:
- Studied iron status in 45 pediatric patients with sickle cell anemia.
- Evaluated hemoglobin levels, white blood cell counts, and bone marrow iron stores.
- Assessed total iron-binding capacity and serum iron levels.
Main Results:
- 47% of patients exhibited depleted iron stores.
- 31% of children had serum iron levels below the normal mean for their age.
- Elevated total iron-binding capacity was observed in most participants.
- Common causes identified include dietary factors, infections, and malabsorption.
Conclusions:
- Iron deficiency is a significant concern in children with sickle cell anemia.
- Routine iron supplementation is not recommended without confirmed iron deficiency.
- Further research into the specific causes and management of iron deficiency in this cohort is warranted.
Abstract:
The iron status in children with sickle cell anaemia has been studied in 45 patients. The mean haemoglobin level was 7.4 g/dl (s.d. 1.7) and the white cell count more than 11 X 10(9)/l in 35 (78%). Bone marrow examination showed depletion of iron stores of 21 (47%). The total iron binding capacity was elevated in most of the children and serum iron was below the normal mean level for age in 14 (31%) children. The possible causes of iron deficiency in some of these children include dietary deficiency, infections, malabsorption, blood loss through hookworm infestation and growth spurt. In the management of a child with sickle cell disease, iron administration is not recommended unless there is evidence of coexisting iron deficiency.
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