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Tancred T, Mubangizi V, Dei EN, Natukunda S, Abankwah DNY, Ellis P, Bates I, Natukunda B, Asamoah Akuoko L. Prevention and management of anaemia in pregnancy: Community perceptions and facility readiness in Ghana and Uganda. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003610. [PMID: 39186558 PMCID: PMC11346734 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Anaemia is one of the most common conditions in low- and middle-income countries, with prevalence increasing during pregnancy. The highest burden is in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where the prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy is 41.7% and 40%, respectively. Anaemia in pregnancy can lead to complications such as prematurity, low birthweight, spontaneous abortion, and foetal death, as well as increasing the likelihood and severity of postpartum haemorrhage. Identifying and mitigating anaemia in pregnancy is a public health priority. Here we present a mixed-methods situational analysis of facility readiness and community understanding of anaemia in Ghana and Uganda. Quantitative health assessments (adapted from service availability and readiness assessments) and qualitative key informant interviews (KIIs) with district-level stakeholders, in-depth interviews (IDIs) with maternity staff, and focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members were held in 2021. We carried out facility assessments in nine facilities in Ghana and seven in Uganda. We carried out seven KIIs, 23 IDIs, and eight FGDs in Ghana and nine, 17, and five, respectively, in Uganda. Many good practices and general awareness of anaemia in pregnancy were identified. In terms of bottlenecks, there was broad consistency across both countries. In health facilities, there were gaps in the availability of haemoglobin testing-especially point-of-care testing-staffing numbers, availability of standard operating procedures/guidelines for anaemia in pregnancy, and poor staff attitudes during antenatal care. Amongst community members, there was a need for improved sensitisation around malaria and helminth infections as potential causes of anaemia and provision of education around the purpose of iron and folic acid supplementation for preventing or managing anaemia in pregnancy. Anaemia in pregnancy is a persistent challenge, but one with clear opportunities to intervene to yield improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Tancred
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Vincent Mubangizi
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Practice, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Nene Dei
- Research, Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation Department, National Blood Service Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Syliva Natukunda
- Community Health Department, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Daniel Nana Yaw Abankwah
- Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, University of Ghana School of Public Health, Accra, Ghana
| | - Phoebe Ellis
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Imelda Bates
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Bernard Natukunda
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Lucy Asamoah Akuoko
- Research, Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation Department, National Blood Service Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Chang MM, Natoli ME, Wilkinson AF, Tubman VN, Airewele GE, Richards-Kortum RR. A multiplexed, allele-specific recombinase polymerase amplification assay with lateral flow readout for sickle cell disease detection. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:4115-4127. [PMID: 39051493 PMCID: PMC11334763 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00281d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Isothermal nucleic acid amplification tests have the potential to improve disease diagnosis at the point of care, but it remains challenging to develop multiplexed tests that can detect ≥3 targets or to detect point mutations that may cause disease. These capabilities are critical to enabling informed clinical decision-making for many applications, such as sickle cell disease (SCD). To address this, we describe the development of a multiplexed allele-specific recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay with lateral flow readout. We first characterize the specificity of RPA using primer design strategies employed in PCR to achieve point mutation detection, and demonstrate the utility of these strategies in achieving selective isothermal amplification and detection of genomic DNA encoding for the healthy βA globin allele, or genomic DNA containing point mutations encoding for pathologic βS and βC globin alleles, which are responsible for most sickle cell disorders. We then optimize reaction conditions to achieve multiplexed amplification and identification of the three alleles in a single reaction. Finally, we perform a small pilot study with 20 extracted genomic DNA samples from SCD patients and healthy volunteers - of the 13 samples with valid results, the assay demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for detecting pathologic alleles, and an overall accuracy of 92.3% for genotype prediction. This multiplexed assay is rapid, minimally instrumented, and when combined with point-of-care sample preparation, could enable DNA-based diagnosis of SCD in low-resource settings. The strategies reported here could be applied to other challenges, such as detection of mutations that confer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan M Chang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Mary E Natoli
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
| | | | - Venée N Tubman
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gladstone E Airewele
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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3
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Mendez-Marti SR, Zik C, Alan S, Wang H, Ershler WB. Sickle Cell Screening in Adults: A Current Review of Point-of-Care Testing. J Hematol 2024; 13:53-60. [PMID: 38993742 PMCID: PMC11236353 DOI: 10.14740/jh1272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In adults, the sickle cell solubility test (SCST) is the most common screening test to determine the presence of hemoglobin S (HbS) within a blood sample. The assay is inexpensive, rapid, highly sensitive and specific. However, the SCST cannot accurately quantify the level of HbS in a test sample and requires confirmatory testing to distinguish between sickle trait and sickle cell disease. Despite these limitations, it remains the standard screening tool for HbS in a variety of settings such as screening in the US military or by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. With an increased awareness of the importance of screening for sickle cell in adults, we herein describe the current sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of this test. We also review overall clinical utility of this laboratory measure and briefly discuss new point-of-care techniques designed to overcome the SCST's shortcomings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian R. Mendez-Marti
- Adult Sickle Cell Center, Inova Schar Cancer Institute, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Chad Zik
- Adult Sickle Cell Center, Inova Schar Cancer Institute, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Sheinei Alan
- Adult Sickle Cell Center, Inova Schar Cancer Institute, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Hongkun Wang
- Biostatics, Bioinformatics and Biomathematics Department, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - William B. Ershler
- Adult Sickle Cell Center, Inova Schar Cancer Institute, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Fairfax, VA, USA
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Bhatt S, Argueta DA, Gupta K, Kundu S. Red Blood Cells as Therapeutic Target to Treat Sickle Cell Disease. Antioxid Redox Signal 2024; 40:1025-1049. [PMID: 37975291 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2023.0348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited diathesis affecting mostly underserved populations globally. SCD is characterized by chronic pain and fatigue, severe acute painful crises requiring hospitalization and opioids, strokes, multiorgan damage, and a shortened life span. Symptoms may appear shortly after birth, and, in less developed countries, most children with SCD die before attaining age 5. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant and gene therapy offer a curative therapeutic approach, but, due to many challenges, are limited in their availability and effectiveness for a majority of persons with SCD. A critical unmet need is to develop safe and effective novel targeted therapies. A wide array of drugs currently undergoing clinical investigation hold promise for an expanded pharmacological armamentarium against SCD. Recent Advances: Hydroxyurea, the most widely used intervention for SCD management, has improved the survival in the Western world and more recently, voxelotor (R-state-stabilizer), l-glutamine, and crizanlizumab (anti-P-selectin antibody) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in SCD. The recent FDA approval emphasizes the need to revisit the advances in understanding the core pathophysiology of SCD to accelerate novel evidence-based strategies to treat SCD. The biomechanical breakdown of erythrocytesis, the core pathophysiology of SCD, is associated with intrinsic factors, including the composition of hemoglobin, membrane integrity, cellular volume, hydration, andoxidative stress. Critical Issues and Future Directions: In this context, this review focuses on advances in emerging nongenetic interventions directed toward the therapeutic targets intrinsic to sickle red blood cells (RBCs), which can prevent impaired rheology of RBCs to impede disease progression and reduce the sequelae of comorbidities, including pain, vasculopathy, and organ damage. In addition, given the intricate pathophysiology of the disease, it is unlikely that a single pharmacotherapeutic intervention will comprehensively ameliorate the multifaceted complications associated with SCD. However, the availability of multiple drug options affords the opportunity for individualized therapeutic regimens tailored to specific SCD-related complications. Furthermore, it opens avenues for combination drug therapy, capitalizing on distinct mechanisms of action and profiles of adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Bhatt
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, India
| | - Donovan A Argueta
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Kalpna Gupta
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Suman Kundu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, India
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, KK Birla Goa Campus, Goa, India
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Therrell BL, Padilla CD, Borrajo GJC, Khneisser I, Schielen PCJI, Knight-Madden J, Malherbe HL, Kase M. Current Status of Newborn Bloodspot Screening Worldwide 2024: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Activities (2020-2023). Int J Neonatal Screen 2024; 10:38. [PMID: 38920845 PMCID: PMC11203842 DOI: 10.3390/ijns10020038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) began in the early 1960s based on the work of Dr. Robert "Bob" Guthrie in Buffalo, NY, USA. His development of a screening test for phenylketonuria on blood absorbed onto a special filter paper and transported to a remote testing laboratory began it all. Expansion of NBS to large numbers of asymptomatic congenital conditions flourishes in many settings while it has not yet been realized in others. The need for NBS as an efficient and effective public health prevention strategy that contributes to lowered morbidity and mortality wherever it is sustained is well known in the medical field but not necessarily by political policy makers. Acknowledging the value of national NBS reports published in 2007, the authors collaborated to create a worldwide NBS update in 2015. In a continuing attempt to review the progress of NBS globally, and to move towards a more harmonized and equitable screening system, we have updated our 2015 report with information available at the beginning of 2024. Reports on sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean, missing in 2015, have been included. Tables popular in the previous report have been updated with an eye towards harmonized comparisons. To emphasize areas needing attention globally, we have used regional tables containing similar listings of conditions screened, numbers of screening laboratories, and time at which specimen collection is recommended. Discussions are limited to bloodspot screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradford L. Therrell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- National Newborn Screening and Global Resource Center, Austin, TX 78759, USA
| | - Carmencita D. Padilla
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines;
| | - Gustavo J. C. Borrajo
- Detección de Errores Congénitos—Fundación Bioquímica Argentina, La Plata 1908, Argentina;
| | - Issam Khneisser
- Jacques LOISELET Genetic and Genomic Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut 1104 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Peter C. J. I. Schielen
- Office of the International Society for Neonatal Screening, Reigerskamp 273, 3607 HP Maarssen, The Netherlands;
| | - Jennifer Knight-Madden
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research—Sickle Cell Unit, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica;
| | - Helen L. Malherbe
- Centre for Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa;
- Rare Diseases South Africa NPC, The Station Office, Bryanston, Sandton 2021, South Africa
| | - Marika Kase
- Strategic Initiatives Reproductive Health, Revvity, PL10, 10101 Turku, Finland;
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Mano RM, Kuona P, Misihairabgwi JM. Determination of birth prevalence of sickle cell disease using point of care test HemotypeSC™ at Rundu Hospital, Namibia. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:323. [PMID: 38730340 PMCID: PMC11084002 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04805-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease (SCD), a noncommunicable disease, has the greatest burden in sub-Saharan Africa. The majority of children (50-90%) with SCD die before their 5th birthday, with approximately 150,000-300,000 annual SCD child deaths in Africa. In developed countries, newborn screening (NBS) has been shown to improve the survival of children with sickle cell disease, with under5 childhood mortality reduced tenfold due to interventions performed before the development of complications. Point -of-care tests have been developed for resource limited settings to expand NBS. The aim of this study was to determine the birth prevalence of sickle cell disease in Namibia using the HemoTypeSC™ point-of-care test. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out at Rundu Intermediate Hospital in the Kavango East Region. Two hundred and two (202) well newborns within 72 h of birth were recruited for the study from 22 February to the 23th March 2023. Descriptive statistics were used to compute the haemoglobin types of the study participants. RESULTS The majority of the participants (n = 105, 52%) were females, and (n = 97,48%) were males. The median age of the participants was 23 h (Q1, Q3; 11; 33),) with an age range of 2-98 h. Sickle cell trait was present in 9.4% of the screened newborns, no homozygous disease was detected, and 90.6% had Hb AA. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to measure HbS gene carriage at birth using HemotypeSC point-of-care testing in Namibia. There was a moderate prevalence of sickle cell traits but no SCD. This baseline study may provide the foundation for larger epidemiological surveys to map HbS gene carriage in Namibia to provide evidence for policy makers to fashion appropriate SCD newborn screening services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runyararo Mashingaidze Mano
- Department of Maternal & Child Health, Division of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia Hage Geingob Campus, Bach Street, Windhoek, Namibia.
| | - Patience Kuona
- Department of Child, Adolescent and Women's Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Jane Masiiwa Misihairabgwi
- Department of Human, Biological and Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Namibia Faculty of Health Sciences & Veterinary Medicine, Windhoek, Namibia
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Franco E, Karkoska KA, McGann PT. Inherited disorders of hemoglobin: A review of old and new diagnostic methods. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2024; 104:102758. [PMID: 37246072 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2023.102758] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The genetic regulation of hemoglobin is complex and there are a number of genetic abnormalities that result in clinically important hemoglobin disorders. Here, we review the molecular pathophysiology of hemoglobin disorders and review both old and new methods of diagnosing these disorders. Timely diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies in infants is essential to coordinate optimal life-saving interventions, and accurate identification of carriers of deleterious mutations allows for genetic counseling and informed family planning. The initial laboratory workup of inherited disorders of hemoglobin should include a complete blood count (CBC) and peripheral blood smear, followed by carefully selected tests based on clinical suspicion and available methodology. We discuss the utility and limitations of the various methodologies to fractionate hemoglobin, including cellulose acetate and citrate agar hemoglobin electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, high-resolution high-performance liquid chromatography, and capillary zone electrophoresis. Recognizing that most of the global burden of hemoglobin disorders exists in low- and middle-income countries, we review the increasingly available array of point-of-care-tests (POCT), which have an increasingly important role in expanding early diagnosis programs to address the global burden of sickle cell disease, including Sickle SCAN, HemoTypeSC, Gazelle Hb Variant, and Smart LifeLC. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of hemoglobin and the globin genes, as well as a clear understanding of the utility and limitations of currently available diagnostic tests, is essential in reducing global disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Franco
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America; Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Hasbro Children's Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Kristine A Karkoska
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Patrick T McGann
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America; Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Hasbro Children's Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, United States of America.
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Guindo A, Cisse Z, Keita I, Desmonde S, Sarro YDS, Touré BA, Baraika MA, Tessougué O, Guindo P, Coulibaly M, Traore O, Sylla N, Diassana M, Saye A, Picot V, Lauressergues E, Leroy V. Potential for a large-scale newborn screening strategy for sickle cell disease in Mali: A comparative diagnostic performance study of two rapid diagnostic tests (SickleScan® and HemotypeSC®) on cord blood. Br J Haematol 2024; 204:337-345. [PMID: 37728227 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19108] [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] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a life-threatening disease requiring reliable early diagnosis. We assessed the acceptability and diagnostic performances of two rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to identify SCD (HbSS, HbSC, HbS/β-thalassaemia) or SCD carrier (HbS/HbC) in a pilot SCD newborn screening (NBS) strategy in Mali. All consenting delivering women were offered SCD NBS using cord blood sampling on two RDTs (SickleScan® and HemotypeSC®) compared to the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) gold standard to detect SCD states. From April 2021 to August 2021, 4333 delivering women were eligible of whom 96.1% were offered NBS: 1.6% refused, 13.8% delivered before consenting and 84.6% consented; 3648 newborns were diagnosed by HPLC; 1.64% had SCD (0.63% HbSS, 0.85% HbSC, 0.16 HbS/β-plus-thalassaemia); 21.79% were SCD carrier. To detect accurately SCD, SickleScan® had a sensitivity of 81.67% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 71.88-91.46) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.69% (95% CI: 99.51-99.87); HemotypeSC® had a sensitivity of 78.33% (95% CI: 67.91-88.76) and a NPV of 99.64% (95% CI: 99.44-99.83). To detect SCD carrier: SickleScan® sensitivity was 96.10% (95% CI: 94.75-97.45) and NPV, 98.90% (95% CI: 98.51-99.29); HemotypeSC® sensitivity was 95.22% (95% CI: 93.74-96.70) and NPV, 98.66% (95% CI: 98.24-99.03). Routine SCD NBS was acceptable. Compared with HPLC, both RDTs had reliable diagnostic performances to exclude SCD-free newborns and to identify SCD carriers to be further confirmed. This strategy could be implemented in large-scale NBS programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldiouma Guindo
- Centre de Recherche et Lutte contre la Drépanocytose (CRLD), Bamako, Mali
| | - Zenab Cisse
- CERPOP, UMR 1295, INSERM, Université Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France
| | - Ibrahima Keita
- Centre de Recherche et Lutte contre la Drépanocytose (CRLD), Bamako, Mali
| | - Sophie Desmonde
- CERPOP, UMR 1295, INSERM, Université Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Boubacari A Touré
- Centre de Recherche et Lutte contre la Drépanocytose (CRLD), Bamako, Mali
| | - Mohamed Ag Baraika
- Centre de Recherche et Lutte contre la Drépanocytose (CRLD), Bamako, Mali
| | - Oumarou Tessougué
- Centre de Recherche et Lutte contre la Drépanocytose (CRLD), Bamako, Mali
| | - Pierre Guindo
- Centre de Recherche et Lutte contre la Drépanocytose (CRLD), Bamako, Mali
| | - Moussa Coulibaly
- Centre de Recherche et Lutte contre la Drépanocytose (CRLD), Bamako, Mali
| | - Oumar Traore
- Centre de santé de Reference de la commune 5 (CsREF-CV), Bamako, Mali
| | - Niagalé Sylla
- Centre de santé de Reference de la commune 5 (CsREF-CV), Bamako, Mali
| | - Mahamadou Diassana
- Service de Gynécologie et Obstétrique, Hopital Fousseyni Daou de Kayes, Kayes, Mali
| | - Amaguiré Saye
- Centre de santé de Reference de la commune 4 (CsREF-CIV), Bamako, Mali
| | | | | | - Valériane Leroy
- CERPOP, UMR 1295, INSERM, Université Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France
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Olaniyan HS, Briscoe C, Muhongo M, Pascoal R, Armando A, Santos B, McGann PT. Early diagnosis of sickle cell disease at birth hospitals and vaccination centers in Angola using point-of-care tests. Blood Adv 2023; 7:5860-5867. [PMID: 37399450 PMCID: PMC10558616 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a life-threatening blood disorder affecting >500 000 infants annually, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Most infants do not have access to an early diagnosis and die early from treatable complications of SCD. Universal newborn screening (NBS) is not yet available in any African country for a variety of reasons, including lack of laboratory capacity, difficulty in tracking affected infants, and the relatively short stay of mothers and newborns at maternity hospitals. Several point-of-care (POC) tests for SCD have been recently developed and validated, but the 2 most well-established tests (Sickle SCAN and HemoTypeSC) have not been rigorously compared with one another. In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare these 2 POC tests to screen infants aged ≤6 months in Luanda, Angola. Challenging the traditional NBS paradigm, we performed testing not only at maternity centers, but also at vaccination centers across Luanda. We enrolled 2000 babies and performed 1000 tests with each POC test. Both tests demonstrated diagnostic accuracy, with 98.3% of Sickle SCAN results and 95.3% of HemoTypeSC results aligning with the gold standard isoelectric focusing hemoglobin pattern. When the result was provided at the POC, 92% of infants were linked to SCD care compared with 56% in the pilot Angolan NBS program, which used centralized laboratory testing. This study demonstrates the real-world feasibility and accuracy of POC tests to screen infants for SCD in Angola. This study also suggests that including vaccination centers may improve the capture rate for early infant SCD screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine Briscoe
- Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Providence, RI
| | | | - Rui Pascoal
- Hospital Pediátrico David Bernardino, Luanda, Angola
| | | | - Brigida Santos
- Hospital Pediátrico David Bernardino, Luanda, Angola
- Instituto Hematológico Pediátrico, Luanda, Angola
| | - Patrick T. McGann
- Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Providence, RI
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Chen CX, Funkenbusch GT, Wax A. Biophysical Profiling of Sickle Cell Disease Using Holographic Cytometry and Deep Learning. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11885. [PMID: 37569260 PMCID: PMC10419148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hematological disorder associated with high mortality rates, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. SCD arises due to the polymerization of sickle hemoglobin, which reduces flexibility of red blood cells (RBCs), causing blood vessel occlusion and leading to severe morbidity and early mortality rates if untreated. While sickle solubility tests are available to sub-Saharan African population as a means for detecting sickle hemoglobin (HbS), the test falls short in assessing the severity of the disease and visualizing the degree of cellular deformation. Here, we propose use of holographic cytometry (HC), a high throughput, label-free imaging modality, for comprehensive morphological profiling of RBCs as a means to detect SCD. For this study, more than 2.5 million single-cell holographic images from normal and SCD patient samples were collected using the HC system. We have developed an approach for specially defining training data to improve machine learning classification. Here, we demonstrate the deep learning classifier developed using this approach can produce highly accurate classification, even on unknown patient samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy X. Chen
- BIOS Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA (A.W.)
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11
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Moetlhoa B, Maluleke K, Mathebula EM, Kgarosi K, Nxele SR, Lenonyane B, Mashamba-Thompson T. REASSURED diagnostics at point-of-care in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001443. [PMID: 37276194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics that meet the REASSURED criteria are essential in combating the rapid increase and severity of global health emergencies caused by infectious diseases. However, little is known about whether the REASSURED criteria are implemented in regions known to have a high burden of infectious diseases such as sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This scoping review maps evidence of the use of REASSURED POC diagnostic tests in SSA. The scoping review was guided by the advanced methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley, and Levac et al. We searched the following electronic databases for relevant literature: Scopus, Dimensions, ProQuest Central, Google Scholar, and EBSCOhost (MEDLINE, CINAHL, as well as AFRICA-WIDE). Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full-text articles using the inclusion criteria as reference. We appraised the quality of the included studies using the mixed-method appraisal tool (MMAT) version 2018. We retrieved 138 publications, comprising 134 articles and four grey literature articles. Of these, only five articles were included following abstract and full-text screening. The five included studies were all conducted in SSA. The following themes emerged from the eligible articles: quality assurance on accuracy of REASSURED POC diagnostic tests, sustainability of REASSURED POC diagnostic tests, and local infrastructure capability for delivering REASSURED POC diagnostic tests to end users. All five articles had MMAT scores between 90% and 100%. In conclusion, our scoping review revealed limited published research on REASSURED diagnostics at POC in SSA. We recommend primary studies aimed at investigating the implementation of REASSURED POC diagnostic tests in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boitumelo Moetlhoa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Kuhlula Maluleke
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Evans M Mathebula
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Rapid Diagnostics, Infectious Diseases Emerging Markets, Abbot Rapid Diagnostics (Pty) Ltd, Sandton, South Africa
| | - Kabelo Kgarosi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Library Services, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Siphesihle R Nxele
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Bonolo Lenonyane
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Menzato F, Bosa L, Sifna A, Da Silva L, Gasperoni E, Martella M, Mustik A, Da Dalt L, Reggiani G, Munaretto V, Liotta G, Riccardi F, Colombatti R. Point-of-care testing allows successful simultaneous screening of sickle cell disease, HIV, and tuberculosis for households in rural Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e30009. [PMID: 36161764 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of noncommunicable genetic diseases like sickle cell disease (SCD) and communicable diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or tuberculosis (TB) is often difficult in rural areas of Africa due to the lack of infrastructures, trained staff, or capacity to involve families living in remote areas. The availability of point-of-care (POC) tests for the above diseases offers the opportunity to build joint programs to tackle all conditions. We report successful simultaneous screening of SCD, HIV, and TB utilizing POC tests in 898 subjects in Fanhe, in rural Guinea-Bissau. Adherence was 100% and all diagnosed subjects were enrolled in care programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Menzato
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Bosa
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Armando Sifna
- Hospital Raoul Follereau (HRF), Centro de Referencia Nacional para Tuberculose, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Luisa Da Silva
- Hospital Raoul Follereau (HRF), Centro de Referencia Nacional para Tuberculose, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Elena Gasperoni
- Aid Health and Development Onlus (AHEAD), Rome, Italy.,San Marino Hospital, San Marino, San Marino
| | - Maddalena Martella
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Alfa Mustik
- Non-profit organization "Amici della Guinea-Bissau", Milan, Italy
| | - Liviana Da Dalt
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Reggiani
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Vania Munaretto
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Liotta
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Riccardi
- Aid Health and Development Onlus (AHEAD), Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Colombatti
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Università di Padova, Padua, Italy.,Aid Health and Development Onlus (AHEAD), Rome, Italy
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13
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Martella M, Campeggio M, Pulè G, Wonkam A, Menzato F, Munaretto V, Viola G, Da Costa SP, Reggiani G, Araujo A, Cumbà D, Liotta G, Sainati L, Riccardi F, Colombatti R. Distribution of HbS Allele and Haplotypes in a Multi-Ethnic Population of Guinea Bissau, West Africa: Implications for Public Health Screening. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:826262. [PMID: 35463879 PMCID: PMC9021572 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.826262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited condition that is widespread globally and especially in malaria-endemic West African countries. Limited epidemiological data on SCD are available for Guinea Bissau, where newborn screening is not yet implemented, routine diagnosis is not available, and care is case directed. METHODS Dried blood spots were collected from children accessing two hospitals managed by Italian Non-Governmental Organizations in the capital city of Bissau and sent to Padova for Hemoglobin (Hb) quantification through HPLC and molecular analysis. Beta globin gene analysis was performed in all; and Hb haplotype of the HbSS and HbSA patients was performed in South Africa. One hundred samples belonging to the most frequent ethnic groups were randomly selected for detection of G6PD mutations. RESULTS Samples from 848 consecutive children (498 males and 350 females, mean age 6.8 years) accessing the two hospitals were analyzed: 6.95% AS (4.42% allelic frequency), 0.94% SS, and 0.23% AC. 376G G6PD allelic frequency was 24%; 14.8% in AS individuals. The Senegal haplotype was the most prevalent (31%), and the proposition of chromosomes with the atypical haplotype was surprisingly high (56%). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates a significant frequency of the HbS allele in the population of Guinea Bissau supporting the implementation of screening strategies. The differences among ethnic groups can help guide targeted interventions for SCD awareness campaigns and determine priority areas for public health interventions. The pilot analysis on haplotypes reveals a large proportion of the atypical haplotype, which may be indicative of a genetically heterogeneous population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Martella
- Clinic of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Mimma Campeggio
- Clinic of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gift Pulè
- Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Federica Menzato
- Clinic of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Vania Munaretto
- Clinic of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giampietro Viola
- Clinic of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Reggiani
- Clinic of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Laura Sainati
- Clinic of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Fabio Riccardi
- Università di Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Aid, Health and Development Onlus, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Colombatti
- Clinic of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy.,Aid, Health and Development Onlus, Rome, Italy
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