1
|
Sickle Cell Disease in Children and Adolescents: A Review of the Historical, Clinical, and Public Health Perspective of Sub-Saharan Africa and Beyond. Int J Pediatr 2022; 2022:3885979. [PMID: 36254264 PMCID: PMC9569228 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3885979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an umbrella term for a group of life-long debilitating autosomal recessive disorders that are caused by a single-point mutation (Glu→Val) that results in polymerization of hemoglobin (Hb) and reversible sickle-shape deformation of erythrocytes. This leads to increased hemolysis of erythrocytes and microvascular occlusion, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and tissue infarction, ultimately causing multisystem end-organ complications. Sickle cell anemia (HbSS) is the most common and most severe genotype of SCD, followed by HbSC, HbSβ0thalassemia, HbSβ+thalassemia, and rare and benign genotypes. Clinical manifestations of SCD occur early in life, are variable, and are modified by several genetic and environmental factors. Nearly 500 children with SCD continue to die prematurely every day, due to delayed diagnosis and/or lack of access to comprehensive care in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a trend that needs to be urgently reversed. Despite proven efficacy in developed countries, newborn screening programs are not universal in SSA. This calls for a consolidated effort to make this possible, through the use of rapid, accurate, and cheap point-of-care test kits which require minimal training. For almost two decades, hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide), a century-old drug, was the only disease-modifying therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Recently, the list expanded to L-glutamine, crizanlizumab, and voxelotor, with several promising novel therapies in the pipeline. Despite its several limitations, hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) remains the only curative intervention for SCD. Meanwhile, recent advances in gene therapy trials offer a glimpse of hope for the near future, although its use maybe limited to developed countries for several decades.
Collapse
|
2
|
Dua M, Bello-Manga H, Carroll YM, Galadanci AA, Ibrahim UA, King AA, Olanrewaju A, Estepp JH. Strategies to increase access to basic sickle cell disease care in low- and middle-income countries. Expert Rev Hematol 2022; 15:333-344. [PMID: 35400264 PMCID: PMC9442799 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2022.2063116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hemoglobinopathy in the world. Over 90% of those born with SCD live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), yet individuals in these settings have much poorer outcomes compared to those in high-income countries. AREAS COVERED This manuscript provides an in-depth review of the cornerstones of basic SCD care, the barriers to implementing these in LMICs, and strategies to increase access in these regions. Publications in English language, peer-reviewed, and edited from 2000 to 2021 were identified on PubMed. Google search was used for gray literature. EXPERT OPINION Outcomes for patients with SCD in high-income countries have improved over the last few decades due to the implementation of universal newborn screening programs and use of routine antimicrobial prophylaxis, increase in therapeutic and curative options, and the adoption of specific measures to decrease risk of stroke. This success has not translated to LMICs due to several reasons including resource constraints. A combination of several strategies is needed to increase access to basic SCD care for patients in these settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghna Dua
- Department of Global Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Halima Bello-Manga
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital/Kaduna State University, Nigeria
| | - Yvonne M. Carroll
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | | | | | - Allison A. King
- in Occupational Therapy, Departments of Pediatrics, Medicine and Surgery, Washington University School of MedicineProgram , St. Louis, USA
| | - Ayobami Olanrewaju
- Department of Global Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jeremie H. Estepp
- Department of Global Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Suspected Severe Malaria in a Sudanese Patient Affected by Sickle Cell Disease Who Was Treated with Hydroxyurea. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080985. [PMID: 34451449 PMCID: PMC8398986 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common genetic disease in sub-Saharan Africa. The signs and symptoms of SCD usually begin in early childhood. Characteristic features of this disorder include anaemia, repeated infections, and periodic episodes of pain. Malaria is one of the infections that can occur in patients with SCD in endemic countries. Many guidelines recommend antimalarial chemoprophylaxis in these patients, although the debate on which drug should be used is still ongoing. Hydroxyurea (HU), which is considered a safe and effective treatment for both children and adults with SCD, seems to affect the incidence and severity of malaria, although these impacts have yet to be fully demonstrated. We report a case of an eight-and-a-half-year-old Sudanese boy with SCD treated with HU admitted for suspected severe malaria who showed a recrudescence after first-line treatment. Although he had undergone splenectomy and thus belonged to a category of patients at high risk for infectious complications, he was not receiving any malaria chemoprophylaxis. This case emphasises the importance of the routine administration of malaria prophylaxis to children with SCD living in endemic areas, even when they are treated with HU, and especially if they are at high risk for infectious complications because they have undergone splenectomy. There is an urgent need for further research to evaluate the most appropriate regimen and its optimal duration.
Collapse
|
4
|
Gyamfi J, Ojo T, Epou S, Diawara A, Dike L, Adenikinju D, Enechukwu S, Vieira D, Nnodu O, Ogedegbe G, Peprah E. Evidence-based interventions implemented in low-and middle-income countries for sickle cell disease management: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246700. [PMID: 33596221 PMCID: PMC7888630 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite ~90% of sickle cell disease (SCD) occurring in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), the vast majority of people are not receiving evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to reduce SCD-related adverse outcomes and mortality, and data on implementation research outcomes (IROs) and SCD is limited. This study aims to synthesize available data on EBIs for SCD and assess IROs. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of RCTs reporting on EBIs for SCD management implemented in LMICs. We identified articles from PubMed/Medline, Global Health, PubMed Central, Embase, Web of Science medical subject heading (MeSH and Emtree) and keywords, published from inception through February 23, 2020, and conducted an updated search through December 24, 2020. We provide intervention characteristics for each study, EBI impact on SCD, and evidence of reporting on IROs. MAIN RESULTS 29 RCTs were analyzed. EBIs identified included disease modifying agents, supportive care agents/analgesics, anti-malarials, systemic treatments, patient/ provider education, and nutritional supplements. Studies using disease modifying agents, nutritional supplements, and anti-malarials reported improvements in pain crisis, hospitalization, children's growth and reduction in severity and prevalence of malaria. Two studies reported on the sustainability of supplementary arginine, citrulline, and daily chloroquine and hydroxyurea for SCD patients. Only 13 studies (44.8%) provided descriptions that captured at least three of the eight IROs. There was limited reporting of acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, cost and sustainability. CONCLUSION EBIs are effective for SCD management in LMICs; however, measurement of IROs is scarce. Future research should focus on penetration of EBIs to inform evidence-based practice and sustainability in the context of LMICs. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION This review is registered in PROSPERO #CRD42020167289.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Gyamfi
- Global Health Program, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Temitope Ojo
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sabrina Epou
- Global Health Program, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Amy Diawara
- Global Health Program, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Lotanna Dike
- Global Health Program, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Deborah Adenikinju
- Global Health Program, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Scholastica Enechukwu
- Global Health Program, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Dorice Vieira
- New York University Health Sciences Library, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Obiageli Nnodu
- Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research & Training (CESRTA), University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Gbenga Ogedegbe
- Department of Population Health, New York University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Emmanuel Peprah
- Global Health Program, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Frimpong A, Thiam LG, Arko-Boham B, Owusu EDA, Adjei GO. Safety and effectiveness of antimalarial therapy in sickle cell disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:650. [PMID: 30541465 PMCID: PMC6292161 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3556-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 80% of all reported sickle cell disease (SCD) cases in children anually are recorded in Africa. Although malaria is considered a major cause of death in SCD children, there is limited data on the safety and effectiveness of the available antimalarial drugs used for prophylaxis. Also, previous systematic reviews have not provided quantitative measures of preventive effectiveness. The purpose of this research was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature to determine the safety and effectiveness of antimalarial chemoprophylaxis used in SCD patients. METHODS We searched in PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, POPLine and Cochrane library, for the period spanning January 1990 to April 2018. We considered randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing any antimalarial chemoprophylaxis to, 1) other antimalarial chemoprophylaxis, 2) placebo or 3) no intervention, in SCD patients. Studies comparing at least two treatment arms, for a minimum duration of three months, with no restriction on the number of patients per arm were reviewed. The data were extracted and expressed as odds ratios. Direct pairwise comparisons were performed using fixed effect models and the heterogeneity assessed using the I-square. RESULTS Six qualified studies that highlighted the importance of antimalarial chemoprophylaxis in SCD children were identified. In total, seven different interventions (Chloroquine, Mefloquine, Mefloquine artesunate, Proguanil, Pyrimethamine, Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine amodiaquine) were evaluated in 912 children with SCD. Overall, the meta-analysis showed that antimalarial chemoprophylaxis provided protection against parasitemia and clinical malaria episodes in children with SCD. Nevertheless, the risk of hospitalization (OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.267-1.959; I2 = 0.0%), blood transfusion (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.542-1.280; I2 = 29.733%), vaso-occlusive crisis (OR = 19, 95% CI = 1.713-2.792; I2 = 93.637%), and mortality (OR = 0.511, 95% CI = 0.189-1.384; I2 = 0.0%) did not differ between the intervention and placebo groups. CONCLUSION The data shows that antimalarial prophylaxis reduces the incidence of clinical malaria in children with SCD. However, there was no difference between the occurrence of adverse events in children who received placebo and those who received prophylaxis. This creates an urgent need to assess the efficacy of new antimalarial drug regimens as potential prophylactic agents in SCD patients. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO (CRD42016052514).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Augustina Frimpong
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Laty Gaye Thiam
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Benjamin Arko-Boham
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ewurama Dedea Ampadu Owusu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - George O Adjei
- Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
- Office of Research Innovation and Development, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Faye BF, Kouame KB, Seck M, Diouf AA, Gadji M, Dieng N, Touré SA, Sall A, Toure AO, Diop S. Challenges in the management of sickle cell disease during pregnancy in Senegal, West Africa. Hematology 2017; 23:61-64. [DOI: 10.1080/10245332.2017.1367534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Blaise Felix Faye
- Hematology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
- Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Moussa Seck
- Hematology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
- Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Abdou Aziz Diouf
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Macoura Gadji
- Hematology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
- Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Nata Dieng
- Hematology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Abibatou Sall
- Hematology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Saliou Diop
- Hematology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
- Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine, Dakar, Senegal
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sins JWR, Mager DJ, Davis SCAT, Biemond BJ, Fijnvandraat K. Pharmacotherapeutical strategies in the prevention of acute, vaso-occlusive pain in sickle cell disease: a systematic review. Blood Adv 2017; 1:1598-1616. [PMID: 29296801 PMCID: PMC5728463 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2017007211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is characterized by frequent and painful vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs). Various treatments have been evaluated over the years. However, a clear overview is lacking. The objective of this study was to systematically review all pharmacotherapeutical strategies in the prevention of VOCs beyond hydroxyurea. We performed a systematic literature search (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL). Eligible studies were controlled clinical trials evaluating pharmacotherapeutical interventions targeting the reduction of VOCs in patients with SCD. Primary outcomes were the number or duration of SCD-related pain days, VOCs, or hospital admissions for VOCs. Secondary outcomes included time to first VOC or hospital admission for a VOC. A standardized data extraction sheet was used. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using Cochrane's risk-of-bias tool. A total of 36 studies were included in this review, covering 26 different prophylactic interventions. The most promising interventions for reducing the frequency of either VOCs or hospitalizations were the oral antioxidants l-glutamine and ω-3 fatty acids and the IV antiadhesive agent crizanlizumab. Twenty-three studies did not show any beneficial effect of the intervention under investigation, and 6 studies were either too small or methodologically inadequate to draw conclusions. Because of the heterogeneity of interventions, no meta-analysis was performed. In conclusion, this review identified 3 promising pharmacotherapeutical strategies in the prevention of VOCs in SCD. Importantly, this study highlights the discrepancy between the significant burden of SCD worldwide and the low number of adequate trials performed. This review was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42015025250).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joep W R Sins
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Emma Children's Hospital, and
- Department of Hematology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David J Mager
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Emma Children's Hospital, and
- Department of Hematology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Bart J Biemond
- Department of Hematology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Obaro SK, Iroh Tam PY. Preventing Infections in Sickle Cell Disease: The Unfinished Business. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2016; 63:781-5. [PMID: 26840500 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 12/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
While encapsulated bacterial agents, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae, are recognized as important microbes that are associated with serious illness in hosts with sickle cell disease (SCD), multiple pathogens are implicated in infectious manifestations of SCD. Variations in clinical practice have been an obstacle to the universal implementation of infection preventive management through active, targeted vaccination of these individuals and routine usage of antibiotic prophylaxis. Paradoxically, in low-income settings, there is evidence that SCD also increases the risk for several other infections that warrant additional infection preventive measures. The infection preventive care among patients with SCD in developed countries does not easily translate to the adoption of these recommendations globally, which must take into account the local epidemiology of infections, available vaccines and population-specific vaccine efficacy, environment, health care behaviors, and cultural beliefs, as these are all factors that play a complex role in the manifestation of SCD and the prevention of infectious disease morbidity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen K Obaro
- Department of pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.,Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.,International Foundation Against Infectious Diseases in Nigeria (IFAIN), Millennium Plaza, Central Business Area, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Nigeria
| | - P Y Iroh Tam
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Olaosebikan R, Ernest K, Bojang K, Mokuolu O, Rehman AM, Affara M, Nwakanma D, Kiechel JR, Ogunkunle T, Olagunju T, Murtala R, Omefe P, Lambe T, Bello S, Ibrahim O, Olorunsola B, Ojuawo A, Greenwood B, Milligan P. A Randomized Trial to Compare the Safety, Tolerability, and Effectiveness of 3 Antimalarial Regimens for the Prevention of Malaria in Nigerian Patients With Sickle Cell Disease. J Infect Dis 2015; 212:617-25. [PMID: 25701866 PMCID: PMC4512609 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for persons with sickle cell disease (SCD), but the value of this has been questioned. The aim of this study was to find out whether intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) with a fixed-dose combination of mefloquine-artesunate (MQAS) or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine (SPAQ) was more effective than daily proguanil for malaria prevention in subjects with SCD. METHODS Patients with SCD were randomized to receive daily treatment with proguanil or IPT with either MQAS or SPAQ once every 2 months at routine clinic visits. Patients were followed up for 14 months. FINDINGS A total of 270 patients with SCD were studied, with 90 in each group. Adherence to the IPT regimens was excellent, but 57% of patients took <75% of their daily doses of proguanil. IPT was well tolerated; the most common side effects were vomiting and abdominal pain. Protective efficacy against malaria, compared with daily proguanil, was 61% (95% confidence interval, 3%-84%) for MQAS and 36% (40%-70%) for SPAQ. There were fewer outpatient illness episodes in children who received IPT than those who received proguanil. CONCLUSIONS IPT with MQAS administered to patients with SCD during routine clinic visits was well tolerated and more effective in preventing malaria than daily prophylaxis with proguanil. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT01319448 and ISRCTN46158146.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rasaq Olaosebikan
- University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria Medical Research Council Unit, Banjul, Gambia University of Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha
| | | | | | | | - Andrea M Rehman
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Muna Affara
- Medical Research Council Unit, Banjul, Gambia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Peter Omefe
- University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
| | - Tosin Lambe
- University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | - Brian Greenwood
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Milligan
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Aneni EC, Hamer DH, Gill CJ. Systematic review of current and emerging strategies for reducing morbidity from malaria in sickle cell disease. Trop Med Int Health 2013; 18:313-27. [PMID: 23320577 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic debilitating disorder affecting erythrocytes, which is especially prevalent throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and among individuals of African descent. Because malaria is thought to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with SCD, malaria chemoprophylaxis is often recommended for these patients. In SCD, malaria chemoprophylaxis reduces malaria parasite count, anaemia and the need for blood transfusion, and improves clinical outcomes. However, the effectiveness of malaria chemoprophylaxis in the setting of SCD is based on a few studies conducted prior to the emergence of widespread antimalarial drug resistance. Consequently, it is uncertain what the optimal strategy for managing patients with SCD in malarious areas should be. Despite the widespread use of hydroxyurea in non-malarious regions, little is known about its effect in malaria-endemic areas or on malaria-related outcomes. On the one hand, hydroxyurea upregulates intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), the cell surface receptor for adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes, and theoretically, it could enhance parasite replication. On the other hand, hydroxyurea increases levels of foetal haemoglobin, which is protective against malaria. We explore what is currently known about the interactions between SCD and malaria and review the published literature on the efficacy of malaria chemoprophylaxis in SCD. We also consider alternative strategies, including hydroxyurea, in the reduction of malaria-associated morbidity and mortality in patients with SCD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ehimen C Aneni
- Department of International Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Aygun B, Odame I. A global perspective on sickle cell disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59:386-90. [PMID: 22535620 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.24175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The global burden of sickle cell disease (SCD) is now being increasingly realized. SCD poses a significant public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, some regions of India, the Caribbean, and Brazil. In many of these regions, progress in the management of SCD has been slow. Long-term North-South and South-South partnerships between SCD professionals, funding agencies, governments, and industry are needed to help reduce the high disease burden in developing countries, through widespread SCD education, relevant research and implementation of evidence-based cost-effective interventions. A group of SCD professionals have responded with action by forming a global network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Banu Aygun
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Williams TN, Obaro SK. Sickle cell disease and malaria morbidity: a tale with two tails. Trends Parasitol 2011; 27:315-20. [PMID: 21429801 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2011.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2010] [Revised: 02/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
More than 230,000 children are born in Africa with sickle cell disease (SCD) each year: approximately 85% of all affected births worldwide. Although malaria is commonly viewed as a major problem for African patients with this condition, questions still remain about its relative importance as a cause of ill heath and death. In the absence of definitive studies investigating the contribution of malaria to morbidity and mortality in African children with SCD, policy makers will continue to lack the evidence on which to base appropriate management guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas N Williams
- KEMRI Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kilifi, Kenya.
| | | |
Collapse
|