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Gómez-De León A, Noyola-Pérez A, Gil-Flores L, Malhotra H, Musteata V, El-Beshlawy A, Tadjoedin H, Pavlovsky C, Cortes J. Bringing global hematology research to the forefront. Blood Adv 2024; 8:3607-3611. [PMID: 38739717 PMCID: PMC11279253 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Gómez-De León
- Department of Hematology, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, México
| | - Andrés Noyola-Pérez
- Department of Hematology, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, México
| | - Lourdes Gil-Flores
- Department of Hematology, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, México
| | - Hemant Malhotra
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sri Ram Cancer Center, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College Hospital, Jaipur, India
| | - Vasile Musteata
- N. Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Discipline of Hematology, Institute of Oncology, Department of Hematology, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
| | | | - Hilman Tadjoedin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dharmais National Cancer Center, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Carolina Pavlovsky
- Department of Hematology and Research, Fundación de Lucha Contra la Leucemia, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jorge Cortes
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
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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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Tang H, Zhang N, Liu X, Xiao H, Zhang H, Zhou K, Deng J. Incidence Trends of Inherited Anemias at the Global, Regional, and National Levels Over Three Decades. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024; 14:72-85. [PMID: 38079097 PMCID: PMC11043255 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-023-00170-9] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Inherited anemia continues to pose a significant public health concern on a global scale, owing to its extensive geographical prevalence, substantial patient population, and profound ramifications. Here, we investigated detailed information on inherited anemias (including thalassemias, thalassemias trait, sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait, G6PD deficiency, and G6PD trait) for the period 1990-2019 from the Global Burden of Disease study. Over the course of three decades, there has been a persistent rise in the incidence of inherited anemias worldwide, culminating in a total of 44,896,026 incident cases in 2019. However, the prevalence of inherited anemias has exhibited a consistent downward trend over successive years. Significantly, these inherited anemias primarily impact females, exhibiting a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.88. Among males, the most prevalent inherited anemia is G6PD deficiency, whereas G6PD trait prevails among females. The incidence rates of inherited anemias and their temporal trend exhibited significant variations across different regions, with Central Sub-Saharan Africa displaying the highest incidence rates and Central Latin America experiencing the most substantial decline. The findings of this study suggest a significant correlation between the Socio-Demographic index (SDI) and incidence rates of inherited anemias, particularly in regions with lower SDI levels such as Africa and South Asia. These results contribute valuable insights for the analysis of global trends in the burden of inherited anemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Tang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 76 Linjiang Road, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 76 Linjiang Road, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430061, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinlei Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 76 Linjiang Road, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbo Xiao
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 76 Linjiang Road, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanyue Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 76 Linjiang Road, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China
| | - Kang Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 76 Linjiang Road, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianchuan Deng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 76 Linjiang Road, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China.
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Munung NS, Kamga KK, Treadwell MJ, Dennis-Antwi J, Anie KA, Bukini D, Makani J, Wonkam A. Perceptions and preferences for genetic testing for sickle cell disease or trait: a qualitative study in Cameroon, Ghana and Tanzania. Eur J Hum Genet 2024:10.1038/s41431-024-01553-7. [PMID: 38374470 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-024-01553-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a single gene blood disorder characterised by frequent episodes of pain, chronic anaemic, acute chest syndrome, severe disease complications and lifelong debilitating multi-system organ damage. Genetic testing and screening programs for SCD and the sickle cell trait (SCT) are valuable for early diagnosis and management of children living with SCD, and in the identification of carriers of SCT. People with SCT are for the most part asymptomatic and mainly identified as through genetic testing or when they have a child with SCD. This qualitative study explored perceptions towards genetic testing for SCD and SCT in Cameroon, Ghana, and Tanzania. The results show a general preference for newborn screening for SCD over prenatal and premarital/preconception testing, primarily due to its simpler decision-making process and lower risk for stigmatization. Premarital testing for SCT was perceived to be of low public health value, as couples are unlikely to alter their marriage plans despite being aware of their risk of having a child with SCD. Adolescents were identified as a more suitable population for SCT testing. In the case of prenatal testing, major concerns were centred on cultural, religious, and personal values on pregnancy termination. The study revealed a gender dimension to SCD/SCT testing. Participants mentionned that women bear a heightened burden of decision making in SCD/SCT testing, face a higher risk of rejection by potential in-laws/partners if the carriers of SCT, as well as the possibility of divorce if they have a child with SCD. The study highlights the complex cultural, ethical, religious and social dynamics surrounding genetic testing for SCD and emphasises the need for public education on SCD and the necessity of incorporating genetic and psychosocial counselling into SCD/SCT testing programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen Kengne Kamga
- Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Capetown, South Africa
- Medical Genetic Service, Regional Hospital Limbe, Limbe, Cameroon
| | - Marsha J Treadwell
- University of California San Francisco Department of Pediatrics/Division of Hematology, Oakland, CA, USA
| | | | - Kofi A Anie
- London Northwest University HealthCare (NHS) Trust, London, UK
- Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Daima Bukini
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Julie Makani
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Capetown, South Africa.
- McKusick-Nathans Institute & Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Mboizi V, Nabaggala C, Munube D, Ssenkusu JM, Kasirye P, Kamya S, Kawooya MG, Boehme A, Minja F, Mupere E, Opoka R, Rosano C, Green NS, Idro R. Hydroxyurea Therapy for Neurological and Cognitive Protection in Pediatric Sickle Cell Anemia in Uganda (BRAIN SAFE II): Protocol for a single-arm open label trial. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.01.12.24301208. [PMID: 38260320 PMCID: PMC10802762 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.12.24301208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Background Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) in Sub-Saharan Africa are at high risk of sickle cerebrovascular injury (SCVI). Hydroxyurea, a commonly used disease-modifying therapy, may prevent or decrease SCVI for reduced incident stroke, stroke risk and potentially cognitive dysfunction. We aim to test the impact of daily hydroxyurea therapy on these outcomes in Ugandan children with SCA. We hypothesize that hydroxyurea therapy over 36 months will prevent, stabilize or improve these complications of SCA. Methods The BRAIN SAFE II study is an open-label, single-arm trial of daily hydroxyurea for 270 children with SCA (HbSS) in Uganda, ages 3-9 years. Following baseline assessments, participants began hydroxyurea therapy and clinically followed per local guidelines. Standard hydroxyurea dose is escalated to maximum tolerated dose (MTD). SCVI is assessed by cerebral arterial velocity using Doppler ultrasound, with cognitive function determined by formal neurocognitive testing (primary outcomes). Structural SCVI is assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography (MRA) in a sub-sample of 90 participants ages ≥5 years, along with biomarkers of anemia, inflammation and malnutrition (secondary outcomes). At trial midpoint (18 months) and completion (36 months), primary outcomes will be compared to participants' baseline to determine hydroxyurea impact and relationships to secondary outcomes. Conclusion This open-label, single-arm trial will examine the impact of hydroxyurea on preventing or ameliorating SCA SCVI in children, assessed by reducing incident stroke, stroke risk and neurocognitive dysfunction. Trial results will provide important insight into the role of hydroxyurea therapy on critical manifestations of SCVI in children with SCA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Deogratias Munube
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John M. Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Phillip Kasirye
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Samson Kamya
- Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute (ECUREI), Mengo Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michael G. Kawooya
- Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute (ECUREI), Mengo Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amelia Boehme
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Frank Minja
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ezekiel Mupere
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Opoka
- Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Caterina Rosano
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nancy S. Green
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Richard Idro
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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Twum S, Fosu K, Felder RA, Sarpong KAN. Bridging the gaps in newborn screening programmes: Challenges and opportunities to detect haemoglobinopathies in Africa. Afr J Lab Med 2023; 12:2225. [PMID: 38116518 PMCID: PMC10729498 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v12i1.2225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Haemoglobinopathies, including sickle cell disease and β-thalassaemia, are monogenic disorders with a relatively higher prevalence among malaria-endemic areas in Africa. Despite this prevalence, most African countries lack the necessary resources for diagnosing and managing these debilitating conditions. Aim This study provides a critical review of newborn screening for detecting haemoglobinopathies in Africa, highlighting challenges and proposing strategies for improved diagnosis and management. Methods A literature search on haemoglobinopathies in Africa was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect, using specific keywords and Boolean operators, including articles published from January 1981 to December 2022. Results The data show that sickle cell disease is prevalent among populations in Central and West Africa; however, β-thalassaemia is prevalent among people in the northern parts of Africa. Newborn screening pilot initiatives for haemoglobinopathies were being implemented in Angola, Nigeria, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Benin. The cost of testing, lack of sufficient and accessible medical records, and inadequacy in healthcare infrastructure pose significant challenges in bridging the gaps in newborn screening. Furthermore, the stigmatisation and lack of awareness of haemoglobinopathies and access to newborn screening programmes pose additional challenges. Conclusion This review highlights the challenges associated with haemoglobinopathy testing, effective strategies for mitigating these challenges, and future perspectives for expanding efforts toward detecting and managing these disorders across Africa. Providing affordable diagnostic tools, mobile clinics, government subsidies, education campaigns, and the implementation of electronic medical records systems could help bridge the gaps in newborn screening in Africa. What this study adds The study presents a comprehensive view of newborn screening of haemoglobinopathies in Africa, provides a detailed outline of the challenges faced by newborn screening for haemoglobinopathies in Africa, and offers strategies for better diagnosis and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Twum
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwadwo Fosu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Robin A Felder
- Department of Pathology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Kwabena A N Sarpong
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Arji EE, Eze UJ, Ezenwaka GO, Kennedy N. Evidence-based interventions for reducing sickle cell disease-associated morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review. SAGE Open Med 2023; 11:20503121231197866. [PMID: 37719166 PMCID: PMC10504846 DOI: 10.1177/20503121231197866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Sickle cell disease is a lifelong illness affecting millions of people globally, but predominantly burdensome in sub-Saharan Africa, where most affected children do not live to adulthood, despite available evidence-based interventions that reduce the disease burden in high-income countries. Method We reviewed studies evaluating evidence-based interventions that decrease sickle cell disease-related morbidity and mortality among children living in sub-Saharan Africa. We used the Joanna Briggs scoping review methodological framework and grouped identified evidence-based interventions into preventative pharmacotherapeutic agents, newborn screening and comprehensive healthcare, disease-modifying agents, nutritional supplementation, systemic treatment, supportive agents and patient/carer/population education. Results We included 36 studies: 18 randomized controlled trials, 11 observational studies, 5 before-and-after studies and 2 economic evaluation studies, with most of the studies performed in West African countries. Included studies suggest evidence-based interventions effectively to reduce the common morbidities associated with sickle cell disease such as stroke, vaso-occlusive crisis, acute chest syndrome, severe anaemia and malaria infection. Evidence-based interventions also improve survival among study participants. Specifically, our review shows hydroxyurea increases haemoglobin and foetal haemoglobin levels, a finding with practical implications given the challenges with blood transfusion in this setting. The feasibility of implementing individual interventions is hampered by challenges such as affordability, accessibility and the availability of financial and human resources. Conclusion Our review suggests that regular use of low-dose hydroxyurea therapy, sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine chemoprophylaxis, L-arginine and Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and establishment of specialist stand-alone sickle cell clinics could reduce the sickle cell disease-associated morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Emenike Arji
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Ujunwa Justina Eze
- Department of Family Medicine, WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital, Lebanon, PA, USA
| | - Gloria Oluchukwu Ezenwaka
- Department of Paediatrics, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Neil Kennedy
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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Ally M, Balandya E. Current challenges and new approaches to implementing optimal management of sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Semin Hematol 2023; 60:192-199. [PMID: 37730472 PMCID: PMC10909340 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2023.08.002] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common life-threatening monogenic disorder in the world. The disease is highly prevalent in malaria endemic areas with over 75% of patients residing in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It is estimated that, without proper care, up to 90% of children with SCD will not celebrate their fifth birthday. Early identification and enrolment into comprehensive care has been shown to reduce the morbidity and mortality related with SCD complications. However, due to resource constraints, the SSA is yet to implement universal newborn screening programs for SCD. Furthermore, care for patients with SCD in the region is hampered by the shortage of qualified healthcare workers, lack of guidelines for the clinical management of SCD, limited infrastructure for inpatient and outpatient care, and limited access to blood and disease modifying drugs such as Hydroxyurea which contribute to poor clinical outcomes. Curative options such as bone marrow transplant and gene therapy are expensive and not available in many SSA countries. In addressing these challenges, various initiatives are ongoing in SSA which aim to enhance awareness on SCD, improve patient identification and retention to care, harmonize the standards of care for SCD, improve the skills of healthcare workers and conduct research on pertinent areas in SCD in the SSA context. Fortifying these measures is paramount to improving the outcomes of SCD in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mwashungi Ally
- Sickle Pan African Research Consortium, Tanzania site Sickle Cell Program Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences Dar es Salaam Tanzania.
| | - Emmanuel Balandya
- Sickle Pan African Research Consortium, Tanzania site Sickle Cell Program Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences Dar es Salaam Tanzania
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9
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Piel FB, Rees DC, DeBaun MR, Nnodu O, Ranque B, Thompson AA, Ware RE, Abboud MR, Abraham A, Ambrose EE, Andemariam B, Colah R, Colombatti R, Conran N, Costa FF, Cronin RM, de Montalembert M, Elion J, Esrick E, Greenway AL, Idris IM, Issom DZ, Jain D, Jordan LC, Kaplan ZS, King AA, Lloyd-Puryear M, Oppong SA, Sharma A, Sung L, Tshilolo L, Wilkie DJ, Ohene-Frempong K. Defining global strategies to improve outcomes in sickle cell disease: a Lancet Haematology Commission. Lancet Haematol 2023; 10:e633-e686. [PMID: 37451304 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(23)00096-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric B Piel
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - David C Rees
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, King's College London, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Michael R DeBaun
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt-Meharry Center of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Obiageli Nnodu
- Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, College of Health Sciences and Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Brigitte Ranque
- Department of Internal Medicine, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris Centre, University of Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Alexis A Thompson
- Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Russell E Ware
- Division of Hematology and Global Health Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Miguel R Abboud
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, and Sickle Cell Program, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Allistair Abraham
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Emmanuela E Ambrose
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Biree Andemariam
- New England Sickle Cell Institute, University of Connecticut Health, Connecticut, USA
| | - Roshan Colah
- Department of Haematogenetics, Indian Council of Medical Research National Institute of Immunohaematology, Mumbai, India
| | - Raffaella Colombatti
- Pediatric Oncology Hematology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Nicola Conran
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Center of Hematology and Hemotherapy (Hemocentro), University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Fernando F Costa
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Center of Hematology and Hemotherapy (Hemocentro), University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Robert M Cronin
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mariane de Montalembert
- Department of Pediatrics, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris Centre, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Elion
- Paris Cité University and University of the Antilles, Inserm, BIGR, Paris, France
| | - Erica Esrick
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anthea L Greenway
- Department Clinical Haematology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville and Department Haematology, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ibrahim M Idris
- Department of Hematology, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital/Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria
| | - David-Zacharie Issom
- Department of Business Information Systems, School of Management, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dipty Jain
- Department of Paediatrics, Government Medical College, Nagpur, India
| | - Lori C Jordan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Zane S Kaplan
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Monash Health and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Allison A King
- Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Divisions of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and Hematology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michele Lloyd-Puryear
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Samuel A Oppong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Akshay Sharma
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Lillian Sung
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Leon Tshilolo
- Institute of Biomedical Research/CEFA Monkole Hospital Centre and Official University of Mbuji-Mayi, Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Diana J Wilkie
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kwaku Ohene-Frempong
- Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana, Kumasi, Ghana
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Olupot-Olupot P, Tomlinson G, Williams TN, Tshilolo L, Santos B, Smart LR, McElhinney K, Howard TA, Aygun B, Stuber SE, Lane A, Latham TS, Ware RE. Hydroxyurea treatment is associated with lower malaria incidence in children with sickle cell anemia in sub-Saharan Africa. Blood 2023; 141:1402-1410. [PMID: 36375125 PMCID: PMC10273078 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022017051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Realizing Effectiveness Across Continents with Hydroxyurea (REACH, NCT01966731) provides hydroxyurea at maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) in sub-Saharan Africa. Beyond reducing SCA-related clinical events, documented treatment benefits include ∼50% reduction in malaria incidence. To identify associations and propose mechanisms by which hydroxyurea could be associated with lower malaria rates, infections were recorded across all clinical sites (Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Uganda). Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for baseline demographics, and time-varying laboratory and clinical parameters were estimated in a modified Cox gap-time model for repeated events. Over 3387 patient-years of hydroxyurea treatment, 717 clinical malaria episodes occurred in 336 of 606 study participants; over half were confirmed by blood smear and/or rapid diagnostic testing with 97.8% Plasmodium falciparum. In univariate analysis limited to 4 confirmed infections per child, malaria risk was significantly associated with absolute neutrophil count (ANC), splenomegaly, hemoglobin, and achieving MTD; age, malaria season, MTD dose, fetal hemoglobin, α-thalassemia, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency had no effect. In multivariable regression of confirmed infections, ANC was significant (HR, 1.37 per doubled value; 95% CI, 1.10-1.70; P = .0052), and ANC values <3.0 × 109/L were associated with lower malaria incidence. Compared with nonpalpable spleen, 1- to 4-cm splenomegaly also was associated with higher malaria risk (HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.41-2.85; P = .0001). Hydroxyurea at MTD is associated with lower malaria incidence in SCA through incompletely defined mechanisms, but treatment-associated mild myelosuppression with ANC <3.0 × 109/L is salutary. Splenomegaly is an unexplained risk factor for malaria infections among children with SCA in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Olupot-Olupot
- Mbale Clinical Research Institute, Mbale, Uganda
- Mbale Regional Referral and Teaching Hospital/Busitema University, Mbale, Uganda
| | - George Tomlinson
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network and Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas N. Williams
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Léon Tshilolo
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale in CEFA/Centre Hospitalier Monkole, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | - Luke R. Smart
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
- Global Health Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Kathryn McElhinney
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Thad A. Howard
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Banu Aygun
- Cohen Children’s Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY
| | - Susan E. Stuber
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
- Global Health Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Adam Lane
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Teresa S. Latham
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Russell E. Ware
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
- Global Health Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
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Udhayashankar K, Franklin PD, Nuta CJ, Cherue AK, Haq H, Thompson D, Tubman VN. Determinants of retention in care of newborns diagnosed with sickle cell disease in Liberia: Results from a mixed-methods study of caregivers. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001705. [PMID: 37014836 PMCID: PMC10072487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
High-income nations have established that early diagnosis and preventive treatment reduces early deaths in sickle cell disease (SCD). However, in low-/middle-income countries where SCD is common, attrition from clinical care is common. Reasons for poor retention in care are multi-factorial and poorly understood. The objective of this study was to identify factors that influence caregiver decision-making around chronic health care needs of a child with SCD. We conducted an exploratory sequential mixed methods study of caregivers of children diagnosed with SCD during a newborn screening program in Liberia. Caregivers completed questionnaires and semi-structured interviews designed to identify drivers of health decision-making. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using semi-structured thematic analysis to identify themes. Data integration occurred by using quantitative results to expand and clarify the qualitative themes. Twenty-six caregivers participated in the study. The mean age of the child at the interview was 43.7 months. Five themes influencing health decisions were identified: grief, the importance of support networks, stigma, perceived benefits, and the burden of chronic disease. The five themes crossed multiple domains of a socioecological model and identified complex interactions between family, community, social and cultural norms, and organizational structures. This study highlights the importance of community awareness of SCD and appropriate health communication by healthcare workers. Healthcare decision-making is multifactorial and complex. These results provide a framework for improving retention in care. In a low-resource country such as Liberia, much can be done by leveraging existing resources and cultural practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cecelia J. Nuta
- Department of Pediatrics, John F. Kennedy Medical Center, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Adolphus K. Cherue
- Department of Pediatrics, John F. Kennedy Medical Center, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Heather Haq
- Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Debbe Thompson
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Venée N. Tubman
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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