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Sickle cell anaemia in Saudi-Arabian children
R K Pejaver1, F Ahmad, H Bedawi
1Dept of Pediatrics, North West Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Sickle cell anemia complications in Saudi children show a changing clinical profile, with hand-foot syndrome decreasing. Prophylactic treatments did not reduce hospital admissions for vaso-occlusive crisis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
- Public Health
Background:
- Sickle cell anemia is a significant health concern in pediatric populations.
- Understanding the evolving clinical manifestations and admission patterns is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical profile and admission trends for sickle cell anemia complications in Saudi Arabian children.
- To assess the impact of prophylactic measures on hospitalization rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of inpatient records and outpatient notes for 41 children with sickle cell anemia.
- Data collected for admissions occurring in 1992.
Main Results:
- A shift in clinical presentation was observed, with a near absence of hand-foot syndrome.
- Vaso-occlusive crisis remained the most frequent reason for admission.
- Pneumococcal vaccine and prophylactic penicillin showed no significant effect on admission frequency or rate.
- No cases of pneumococcal septicemia or meningitis were recorded.
- No deaths occurred in the study period.
Conclusions:
- The clinical profile of sickle cell anemia in Saudi children has evolved.
- Current prophylactic strategies may not be sufficient to prevent common complications like vaso-occlusive crisis.
- Further research is needed to understand and address the changing disease patterns.
Abstract:
Forty-one Saudi Arabian children aged between six months and 13 years had a total of 68 admissions for complications of sickle cell anaemia during 1992. Review of their in-patient records and the relevant out-patient notes revealed a change in the clinical profile as compared to previous years. Hand-foot syndrome is virtually non-existent and vaso-occlusive crisis remains the commonest cause of admission. Introduction of pneumococcal vaccine and prophylactic oral penicillin has had no effect on the frequency of admissions and the admission rate per patient year. We have not seen any septicaemia/meningitis due to pneumococci. No death occurred during 1992.