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Bangirana P, Boehme AK, Birabwa A, Opoka RO, Munube D, Mupere E, Kasirye P, Muwanguzi G, Musiimenta M, Ru G, Green NS, Idro R. Neurocognitive impairment in Ugandan children with sickle cell anemia compared to sibling controls: a cross-sectional study. FRONTIERS IN STROKE 2024; 3:1372949. [PMID: 38903696 PMCID: PMC11188974 DOI: 10.3389/fstro.2024.1372949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The neurocognitive functions in Ugandan children aged 1-12 years with sickle cell anemia (SCA) were compared to their non-SCA siblings to identify risk factors for disease-associated impairment. Methods This cross-sectional study of the neurocognitive functions in children with SCA (N = 242) and non-SCA siblings (N = 127) used age- and linguistically appropriate standardized tests of cognition, executive function, and attention for children ages 1-4 and 5-12. Test scores were converted to locally derived age-normalized z-scores. The SCA group underwent a standardized stroke examination for prior stroke and transcranial Doppler ultrasound to determine stroke risk by arterial flow velocity. Results The SCA group was younger than their siblings (mean ages 5.46 ± 3.0 vs. 7.11 ± 3.51 years, respectively; p < 0.001), with a lower hemoglobin concentration (7.32 ± 1.02 vs. 12.06 ± 1.42, p < 0.001). The overall cognitive SCA z-scores were lower, -0.73 ± 0.98, vs. siblings, -0.25 ± 1.12 (p < 0.001), with comparable findings for executive function of -1.09 ± 0.94 vs. -0.84 ± 1.26 (p = 0.045), respectively. The attention z-scores for ages 5-12 for the SCA group and control group were similar: -0.37 ± 1.4 vs. -0.11 ± 0.17 (p = 0.09). The overall differences in SCA status were largely driven by the older age group, as the z-scores in the younger subsample did not differ from controls. Analyses revealed the strongest predictors of poor neurocognitive outcomes among the SCA sample to be the disease, age, and prior stroke (each p < 0.001). The impacts of anemia and SCA were indistinguishable. Discussion Neurocognitive testing in children with SCA compared to non-SCA siblings revealed poorer SCA-associated functioning in children older than age 4. The results indicate the need for trials assessing the impact of disease modification on children with SCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Bangirana
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amelia K. Boehme
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Vagelos Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Annet Birabwa
- Department of Mental Health and Community Psychology, Makerere University College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert O. Opoka
- Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Deogratias Munube
- Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ezekiel Mupere
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Phillip Kasirye
- Directorate of Paediatrics and Child Health, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - George Ru
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nancy S. Green
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Richard Idro
- Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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Brehm R, South A, George EC. Use of point-of-care haemoglobin tests to diagnose childhood anaemia in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. Trop Med Int Health 2024; 29:73-87. [PMID: 38044262 PMCID: PMC7615606 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Anaemia is a major cause of mortality and transfusion in children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); however, current diagnostics are slow, costly and frequently unavailable. Point-of-care haemoglobin tests (POC(Hb)Ts) could improve patient outcomes and use of resources by providing rapid and affordable results. We systematically reviewed the literature to investigate what, where and how POC(Hb)Ts are being used by health facilities in LMICs to diagnose childhood anaemia, and to explore challenges to their use. METHODS We searched a total of nine databases and trial registries up to 10 June 2022 using the concepts: anaemia, POC(Hb)T, LMIC and clinical setting. Adults ≥21 years and literature published >15 years ago were excluded. A single reviewer conducted screening, data extraction and quality assessment (of diagnostic studies) using QUADAS-2. Outcomes including POC(Hb)T used, location, setting, challenges and diagnostic accuracy were synthesised. RESULTS Of 626 records screened, 41 studies were included. Evidence is available on the use of 15 POC(Hb)Ts in hospitals (n = 28, 68%), health centres (n = 9, 22%) and clinics/units (n = 10, 24%) across 16 LMICs. HemoCue (HemoCue AB, Ängelholm, Sweden) was the most used test (n = 31, 76%). Key challenges reported were overestimation of haemoglobin concentration, clinically unacceptable limits of agreement, errors/difficulty in sampling, environmental factors, cost, inter-observer variability and supply of consumables. Five POC(Hb)Ts (33%) could not detect haemoglobin levels below 4.5 g/dL. Diagnostic accuracy varied, with sensitivity and specificity to detect anaemia ranging from 24.2% to 92.2% and 70% to 96.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS POC(Hb)Ts have been successfully utilised in health facilities in LMICs to diagnose childhood anaemia. However, limited evidence is available, and challenges exist that must be addressed before wider implementation. Further research is required to confirm accuracy, clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Brehm
- Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Annabelle South
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit (MRC CTU), University College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth C George
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit (MRC CTU), University College London, London, UK
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Bangirana P, Boehme AK, Birabwa A, Opoka RO, Munube D, Mupere E, Kasirye P, Muwanguzi G, Musiimenta M, Ru G, Green NS, Idro R. Neurocognitive Impairment in Ugandan Children with Sickle Cell Anemia Compared to Sibling Controls: A cross-sectional study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2023.11.09.23298329. [PMID: 38014206 PMCID: PMC10680894 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.09.23298329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Neurocognitive function in Ugandan children aged 1-12 years with sickle cell anemia (SCA) were compared to their non-SCA siblings to identify risk factors for disease-associated impairment. Methods This cross-sectional neurocognitive function study of children with SCA (N=242) and non-SCA siblings (N=127) used age- and linguistically-appropriate standardized tests of cognition, executive function and attention for children ages 1-4 and 5-12 years. Test scores were converted to locally derived age-normalized z-scores. The SCA group underwent standardized stroke examination for prior stroke and transcranial doppler ultrasound (TCD) to determine stroke risk by arterial flow velocity. Results The SCA group was younger than siblings (mean ages 5.46±3.0 versus 7.11±3.51 years, respectively; p <.001), with lower hemoglobin concentration (7.32±1.02 vs. 12.06±1.42, p <.001). Overall cognitive SCA z-scores were lower: -0.73 ±0.98 vs. siblings -0.25 ±1.12 (p<.001), with comparable findings for executive function of -1.09±0.94 versus -0.84±1.26 (p=0.045), respectively. Attention z-scores for ages 5-12 for the SCA group and controls were similar: -0.37±1.4 vs. -0.11±0.17 (p=.09). Overall differences by SCA status were largely driven by the older age group, as z-scores in the younger sub-sample did not differ from controls. Analyses revealed the strongest predictors of poor neurocognitive outcomes among the SCA sample to be the disease, age and prior stroke (each p<.001). Impact from anemia and SCA were indistinguishable. Discussion Neurocognitive testing in children with SCA compared to non-SCA siblings revealed poorer SCA-associated functioning in children older than age 4. Results indicate need for trials assessing impact from disease modification for children with SCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Bangirana
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amelia K. Boehme
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Vagelos Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Annet Birabwa
- Department of Mental Health and Community Psychology, Makerere University College of Social Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert O. Opoka
- Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Deogratias Munube
- Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ezekiel Mupere
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Phillip Kasirye
- Directorate of Paediatrics and Child Health, Mulago National Referral Hospital
| | | | | | - George Ru
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Nancy S. Green
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Richard Idro
- Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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King LG, Ali SB, Chang SM, Reid ME, Soares DP. Academic performance in Jamaican children with sickle cell disease. J Natl Med Assoc 2023; 115:475-481. [PMID: 37550160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnma.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk for neurocognitive deficits that can affect school performance, and psychosocial functioning. The aim of this study was to assess the academic performance of school-aged children with SCD in Jamaica compared to their school peers. METHOD A cross-sectional survey of academic performance was done in a group of children 11 to 13 years of age, using a standardized state administered examination, the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), covering 5 subjects. Scores were obtained from the Ministry of Education (MOE) for eligible children with SCD, as well as mean scores with standard deviation for unaffected classmates by gender. Socio-demographic and clinical data were obtained from our sickle cell clinic database and an interview administered questionnaire. RESULTS Sixty-four children satisfied eligibility criteria. Children with SCD had lower percentage scores and significantly lower mean z-scores for 4 of 5 subjects (p < 0.05). Males had significantly lower mean z-scores compared with females. Thirty-seven children (57.8%) were classified as underperformers. Haemoglobin level was a significant predictor of subject score rank. CONCLUSION Children with SCD in Jamaica perform worse in standardized school examinations than their class peers with boys being particularly vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley G King
- Sickle Cell Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research (CAIHR), University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Susanna Bortolusso Ali
- Sickle Cell Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research (CAIHR), University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Susan M Chang
- Child Health Research Group, Epidemiology Research Unit, CAIHR, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Marvin E Reid
- Tropical Metabolism Research Unit, CAIHR, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Deanne P Soares
- Radiology Section, Department of Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
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Luo C, Wang X, Yang Y, Yan Q, Sun L, Yang D. Association of health-risk behaviors with perceived academic performance among middle and high school students: A cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285261. [PMID: 37130127 PMCID: PMC10153714 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is a susceptible period to establish health-risk behaviors, which may have an impact on academic performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between health-risk behaviors (HRBs) and perceived academic performance (PAP) of adolescents in Shanghai, China. The data of the present study included three-round Shanghai Youth Health-risk Behavior Survey (SYHBS). This cross-sectional survey investigated multiple HRBs of students involved in dietary behaviors, physical activity and sedentary behaviors, intentional and unintentional injury behaviors, and substance abuse behaviors, as well as PAP by using self-reported questionnaire. Using a multistage random sampling method, 40,593 middle and high school students aged 12 to 18 years were involved. Only participants with complete data on HRBs information, academic performance and covariates were included. A total of 35,740 participants were involved in analysis. We used ordinal logistic regression to analyze the association between each HRB and PAP adjusting for sociodemographic, family environment and duration of extracurricular study. The results showed that students who did not eat breakfast or drink milk everyday were more likely to have a lower PAP, with a decreased odds of 0.89 (95%CI: 0.86-0.93, P<0.001) and 0.82 (95%CI: 0.79-0.85, P<0.001), respectively. The similar association was also found in students who did exercise ≥60 minutes for less than 5 days/week, spend time on watch TV beyond 3 hours/day and other sedentary behaviors. Most intentional and unintentional injuries, and ever smoked were associated with a lower PAP. Our finding suggests that multiple HRBs negatively associated with PAP of adolescents. It needs to raise public health concerns with HRBs in adolescents, and to develop and implement comprehensive interventions on HRBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Luo
- Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuelai Wang
- Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanting Yang
- Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Yan
- Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijing Sun
- Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongling Yang
- Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
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Raiza Fontes Barros Bomfim J, Orge Anunciação Bacelar C, Marques da Silva Neto M, Salles C, Marice Teixeira Ladeia A, Renata Rissatto-Lago M. Association between hearing impairment, school performance and cognitive function in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease. Trop Med Int Health 2022; 27:244-250. [PMID: 35048475 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association among hearing impairment, school performance, and cognitive function in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease. METHODS Thirty-one participants with sickle cell disease (SCD) and 31 healthy participants in the control-comparison group (CG), both aged 8-17 years underwent auditory system evaluation (pure tone audiometry and acoustic reflex), were screened for the risks of (central) auditory processing disorder and dysfunction of cognitive function using the Scale of Auditory Behaviors (SAB) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), respectively, and were interviewed to obtain clinical data and data on school performance. RESULTS In the SCD group, eight (25.8%) participants presented with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The group with SCD and SNHL presented a higher occurrence of poor school performance than the group of participants with SCD without SNHL (p= 0.016). The MMSE score for aspects related to attention and calculation in the SCD group with SNHL was lower than in the SCD group without SNHL (p= 0.016). In the SAB, the SCD group with SNHL presented a lower score than the SCD group without SNHL in aspects related to academic performance and attention. CONCLUSION Hearing impairment in children and adolescents with SCD, specifically SNHL, is associated with poor school performance and enhances the risk of cognitive impairment in terms of attention and calculation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cristina Salles
- Postgraduate Course in Medicine and Human Health, Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health, Salvador, Brazil.,Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Professor Edgar Santos, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Ana Marice Teixeira Ladeia
- Postgraduate Course in Medicine and Human Health, Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Mara Renata Rissatto-Lago
- College of Speech Therapy, Department of the Life Science, State University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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Alhazmi A, Hakami K, Abusageah F, Jaawna E, Khawaji M, Alhazmi E, Zogel B, Qahl S, Qumayri G. The Impact of Sickle Cell Disease on Academic Performance among Affected Students. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 9:children9010015. [PMID: 35053640 PMCID: PMC8773889 DOI: 10.3390/children9010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disease that is highly prevalent in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia, and is mostly characterized by many complications such as vaso-occlusive crises (VOC), acute chest syndrome (ACS) and well-documented neurological complications. These complications may affect patients’ academic performance. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted in Jazan Province. General and demographic data were collected and questions about academic performance of students with SCD were answered. Both t-tests and chi-square tests, along with multiple logistic regression, were used for analysis. Results: 982 participants were selected for this study with a mean age of 23 years (SD: 7). Most of the participants were female (64%). The number of participants with SCD was 339 (36%), of whom 42% were male. Students with SCD recorded lower grade point averages (GPA) and more absences compared to healthy participants. Further, about 60% of students with SCD thought they performed better than 40% of the participants without SCD during the COVID-19 pandemic when most of the educational activities were online. Conclusion: As has been previously reported, this study suggested that the academic performance of students with SCD is negatively affected compared to healthy individuals, and this is mostly due to complications associated with the disease. Further, students with SCD acknowledged better performance with online education, an option that should be considered to improve their academic performance. National studies on a larger population are required by health and education officials, and supportive online educational programs are warranted to enhance the academic performance of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz Alhazmi
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
- Emerging and Epidemic Infectious Diseases Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-7-3295000
| | - Khalid Hakami
- College of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; (K.H.); (F.A.); (E.J.); (M.K.); (E.A.); (B.Z.); (S.Q.); (G.Q.)
| | - Faisal Abusageah
- College of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; (K.H.); (F.A.); (E.J.); (M.K.); (E.A.); (B.Z.); (S.Q.); (G.Q.)
| | - Essa Jaawna
- College of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; (K.H.); (F.A.); (E.J.); (M.K.); (E.A.); (B.Z.); (S.Q.); (G.Q.)
| | - Meshal Khawaji
- College of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; (K.H.); (F.A.); (E.J.); (M.K.); (E.A.); (B.Z.); (S.Q.); (G.Q.)
| | - Essam Alhazmi
- College of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; (K.H.); (F.A.); (E.J.); (M.K.); (E.A.); (B.Z.); (S.Q.); (G.Q.)
| | - Basem Zogel
- College of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; (K.H.); (F.A.); (E.J.); (M.K.); (E.A.); (B.Z.); (S.Q.); (G.Q.)
| | - Salman Qahl
- College of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; (K.H.); (F.A.); (E.J.); (M.K.); (E.A.); (B.Z.); (S.Q.); (G.Q.)
| | - Ghadeer Qumayri
- College of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; (K.H.); (F.A.); (E.J.); (M.K.); (E.A.); (B.Z.); (S.Q.); (G.Q.)
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Knight LM, King AA, Strouse JJ, Tanabe P. Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Delays in Children 0 to 5 Years of Age With Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Literature Review. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2021; 43:104-111. [PMID: 33560086 PMCID: PMC8254873 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common abnormal genetic blood disease that affects ∼100,000 Americans. Approximately 20% to 37% of children with sickle cell anemia have silent cerebral infarcts by the age of 14 years old. Neurocognitive deficits are identified in infants and preschool children with SCD. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence, severity, and the associated risk factors for neurodevelopmental delays (NDDs) in children with SCD 5 years of age and younger. METHODS Systematic search of 6 databases identified 2467 potentially relevant publications and 8 were identified through a manual search. Only 24 articles met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS We identified an increased prevalence of NDDs (cognitive, motor, or both). Children experienced deficits with language, attention and behavior, executive functioning, school readiness and/or academic performance, and motor skills (fine and gross motor functioning). Risk factors include silent cerebral infarcts and strokes, SCD genotype (HbSS>HbSC), other biologic, and social factors. CONCLUSION NDDs are common in children ages 0 to 5 years old with SCD. There is an opportunity to improve adherence to national guideline recommendations and early detection practices by pediatricians, hematologists, and other health care providers.
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Pijl EK, Vanneste YTM, de Rijk AE, Feron FJM, Mathijssen J. The prevalence of sickness absence among primary school pupils - reason to be worried? BMC Public Health 2021; 21:170. [PMID: 33472603 PMCID: PMC7816510 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10193-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Absence from school can lead to lower educational achievement and poor health. Little is known about school absence in primary education. This study's first aim was to examine the prevalence of school absence in primary schools and differing types of absence, including sickness absence. The second aim was to determine which pupil characteristics and types of absence were associated with extensive sickness absence. METHODS The school absence registries for the school year 2015-2016 were analysed retrospectively in eight mainstream primary schools with 2216 pupils, and six schools for special primary education with 1000 pupils in the West-Brabant region of the Netherlands. Descriptive analyses, χ2-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS The one-year prevalence of school absence was 85% in mainstream primary schools and 79% in special schools. Sickness absence was the most prevalent type of absence, occurring in 75 and 71% of pupils, respectively The prevalence of extensive sickness absence was 13 and 23%, respectively. In mainstream schools, extensive sickness absence was associated with a young age, low parental educational level, more doctor's visits and unauthorised absence, and in special schools with more doctor's visits, other authorised absence, tardiness and unauthorised absence. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of extensive sickness absence was high, and as this was associated with other types of absence, these pupils missed even more days of school. Public health research, policy and practice should address sickness absence among primary school pupils, to prevent adverse effects on children's development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Karen Pijl
- Child and Youth Healthcare Department, GGD West-Brabant, Breda, The Netherlands. .,Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Angelique Eveline de Rijk
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Frans Joseph Maria Feron
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda Mathijssen
- Academic Collaborative Centre Youth, Tranzo, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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Khan SA, AlSiny F, Makki A, Ali A, AlAnsari I, Khan S. Socioeconomic status dependent medical complexities in children with sickle cell disease in Saudi Arabia. Saudi J Biol Sci 2020; 27:1781-1787. [PMID: 32565696 PMCID: PMC7296505 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A look into the associations of socioeconomic status (SES) with prevalence of various complications in sickle cell disease (SCD) is necessary, for an improvement of societal norms, governmental health policies and strategies. We therefore studied the influence of SES indices on certain hematological and clinical parameters in children with SCD in Saudi Arabia. We included 32 female and 33 male patients aged 5–16 years, who were classified based upon their family income. Family monthly income was divided into 4 categories from lowest to highest, with socioeconomic class1 having low earnings of <5000 SAR; the middle income class divided further into class 2 with earnings >5000–10,000 SAR, and class 3 with earnings >10,000–15,000 SAR; and the higher income class 4 with earnings of >15,000 SAR. The assessment indices used were, the frequency of vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), adverse events, and hematological parameters. A higher percentage of children affected with the disease were from class1, which is the low socio-economic class. It was found that the percentage of frequency of VOC pain crisis, and adverse events was higher in social class 1 patients than in the classes 2, 3, and 4. Also, the age group 5–10 years appeared more susceptible to adverse events and VOC. Our findings suggest the need to conduct future larger studies, to deduce the modifying influence of disparity in SES on certain clinical and hematological indices in children with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahida Aziz Khan
- Applied Nutrition Group, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Corresponding author at: King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Fayza AlSiny
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Makki
- Applied Nutrition Group, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf Ali
- Applied Nutrition Group, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibtehal AlAnsari
- Applied Nutrition Group, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Khan
- Applied Nutrition Group, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Salih KMA. The impact of sickle cell anemia on the quality of life of sicklers at school age. J Family Med Prim Care 2019; 8:468-471. [PMID: 30984656 PMCID: PMC6436282 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_444_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is prevalent in Sudan in general, and in particular in the western part of the country among Misseria tribe. School absence, depressive symptoms, embarrassment, social disturbances, and emotional disturbance present negative impact for sicklers. Therefore, an urgent call for improving the quality of life of sicklers is needed. Objectives To examine the impact of SCA on the quality of life of school-age children affected by the disease from the perspective of three dimensions: psychological, social, and schooling. Materials and Methods This is a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study carried out over 2 weeks' period in April 2011 in Western Sudan, Gineana District. This study included 107 patients within the age group of 7-15 years with confirmed diagnosis of SCA in a steady state. A sickler with SCA who had hemoglobin genotype "SS" on hemoglobin electrophoresis without crises over the past 4 weeks was considered to be in steady state. Questionnaires designed by expert covering social and psychological aspects of the disease were filled by the authors. Results Of 107 patients with confirmed diagnosis of SCA in steady state, 54.2% of them were male. About 17.8%, 29.6%, 23.4%, 48.6%, 16.8%, and 45.8% of the patients suffered from school absence, teasing, embarrassment due to bedwetting, embarrassment due to jaundice, failure to contribute to school activities such as sport, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Around 8.4% of the patients repeated classes. Divorce and anxiety among sicklers' families were found in 6.5% and 8.4%, respectively. Twenty-one (19.6%) families had less interest in social activities in the community. Conclusion Sickle cell disease has many social and psychological problems which need to be addressed. Enuresis, depressive symptoms, school absentees, and deterioration in school performance were the common problems encountered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karimeldin M A Salih
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Bahri, Khatoum, Sudan.,Department of Pediatrics/Medical Education, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
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