1
|
Kaddah AM, Ibrahim RSM, Gamal S, Selim YMM. Body composition analysis using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in an Egyptian pediatric sickle cell disease cohort. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e31067. [PMID: 38750615 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31067] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growth failure is commonly encountered in sickle cell disease (SCD). Tissue compartment growth and development are subsequently likely to be altered in such patients. OBJECTIVE We aimed to analyze body composition in an Egyptian pediatric SCD cohort using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), one of the most comprehensive and noninvasive assessment methods available. METHODS Forty children with SCD ≤18 years and 40 healthy youngsters age- and gender-matched were enrolled. Patients' demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were obtained from their archived files. All patients and controls were subjected to body composition assessment using a MedixDR-Whole Body DEXA System. RESULTS In SCD patients; weight and height relative to age Z scores were significantly lower (p < .001), total body lean was significantly higher (p = .006), and total body fat percentage was lower, yet the difference was not statistically significant (p = .09). There were no statistically significant variations in bone mineral density or content, basal metabolic rate, subcutaneous adipose tissue, android/gynoid fat ratio, and visceral adipose tissue. There were no significant gender disparities between SCD patients and controls. CONCLUSION Faltering growth in children with SCD should be addressed with a multidisciplinary approach including nutritional support, correction of anemia, and proper medical care. Body composition parameters assessed using DEXA were comparable between cases and controls apart from total body lean. Further clinical studies are needed with multicenter cooperation and a larger sample size to assess the usefulness of DEXA as an assessment tool for body composition in children with SCD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Maher Kaddah
- Pediatric Hematology and BMT Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rania S M Ibrahim
- Radiology Department, Pediatric Unit, Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Seham Gamal
- Pediatric Hematology and BMT Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasmeen M M Selim
- Pediatric Hematology and BMT Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wossenseged F, Franklin K, Gordon T, Buscetta A, Wallen GR, Bonham VL, Farmer N. Bidirectional Relationship Between Sickle Cell Disease and Food Insecurity: Scoping Review. Health Equity 2024; 8:238-248. [PMID: 38595934 PMCID: PMC11002324 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2023.0147] [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] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the United States, sickle cell disease (SCD)-the homozygous inheritance of a point mutation within the beta-globin chain of hemoglobin-affects between 80,000 and 100,000 people. Adequate nutrition can influence the pathophysiology of SCD, and individuals with SCD who are undernourished are more likely to have impaired immune function and disease exacerbation. Undernourishment is often caused by food insecurity (FI), which is defined as "a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food" by the USDA. FI disproportionately affects African Americans, a population disproportionately affected by SCD in the United States. Objectives We performed a scoping review to better understand the relationship between FI and SCD severity. Methods A comprehensive search for peer-reviewed research articles and meeting abstracts was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Selected studies were reviewed for descriptive analysis by three independent reviewers. Results In total, 72 studies were identified, 62 were excluded for meeting inclusion criteria. The remaining 10 studies, 5 of which were meeting abstracts, were reviewed. Although limited evidence is available, the results of this scoping review suggest a bidirectional relationship between SCD and FI. Seven key themes were identified to help elucidate this relationship: 1) prevalence of FI among individuals with SCD, 2) child versus caregiver experiences of FI, 3) psychosocial factors, 4) food assistance benefits, 5) dietary intake, 6) external spending, 7) healthcare utilization. Conclusion Findings from this scoping review suggest how SCD and FI work in tandem to exacerbate each other. Furthermore, the findings illustrate current gaps in the literature and opportunities for actions to address FI among individuals living with SCD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faeben Wossenseged
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Institutes of Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristina Franklin
- Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch, National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Talya Gordon
- Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch, National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ashley Buscetta
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Institutes of Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gwenyth R. Wallen
- Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch, National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Vence L. Bonham
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Institutes of Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicole Farmer
- Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch, National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ritter C, Abdullahi SU, Gambo S, Murtala HA, Kabir H, Shamsu KA, Gwarzo G, Banaei Y, Acra SA, Stallings VA, Rodeghier M, DeBaun MR, Klein LJ. Impact of maternal depression on malnutrition treatment outcomes in older children with sickle cell anemia. BMC Nutr 2024; 10:18. [PMID: 38268013 PMCID: PMC10809526 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-024-00826-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malnutrition and sickle cell anemia (SCA) result in high childhood mortality rates. Although maternal depression is an established risk factor for malnutrition in younger children, little is known about its impact on treatment response in children with malnutrition. We aimed to determine the relationship, if any, between maternal depression scores and malnutrition treatment outcomes in older children with SCA. METHODS We conducted a planned ancillary study to our randomized controlled feasibility trial for managing severe acute malnutrition in children aged 5-12 with SCA in northern Nigeria (NCT03634488). Mothers of participants completed a depression screen using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).We used a multivariable linear regression model to describe the relationship between the baseline maternal PHQ-9 score and the trial participant's final body mass index (BMI) z-score. RESULTS Out of 108 mother-child dyads, 101 with maternal baseline PHQ-9 scores were eligible for inclusion in this analysis. At baseline, 25.7% of mothers (26 of 101) screened positive for at least mild depression (PHQ-9 score of 5 or above). The baseline maternal PHQ-9 score was negatively associated with the child's BMI z-score after 12 weeks of malnutrition treatment (β=-0.045, p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS Maternal depressive symptoms has an impact on malnutrition treatment outcomes. Treatment of malnutrition in older children with sickle cell anemia should include screening for maternal depression and, if indicated, appropriate maternal referral for depression evaluation and treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (#NCT03634488) on January 30, 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03634488 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shehu U Abdullahi
- Department of Pediatrics, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Safiya Gambo
- Department of Pediatrics, Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Hassan Adam Murtala
- Department of Pediatrics, Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Halima Kabir
- Department of Pediatrics, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Khadija A Shamsu
- Department of Pediatrics, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Garba Gwarzo
- Department of Pediatrics, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | | | - Sari A Acra
- Department of Pediatrics, D. Brent Polk Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Virginia A Stallings
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Michael R DeBaun
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt-Meharry Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lauren J Klein
- Department of Pediatrics, D. Brent Polk Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Nashville, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bell V, Varzakas T, Psaltopoulou T, Fernandes T. Sickle Cell Disease Update: New Treatments and Challenging Nutritional Interventions. Nutrients 2024; 16:258. [PMID: 38257151 PMCID: PMC10820494 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020258] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD), a distinctive and often overlooked illness in the 21st century, is a congenital blood disorder characterized by considerable phenotypic diversity. It comprises a group of disorders, with sickle cell anemia (SCA) being the most prevalent and serious genotype. Although there have been some systematic reviews of global data, worldwide statistics regarding SCD prevalence, morbidity, and mortality remain scarce. In developed countries with a lower number of sickle cell patients, cutting-edge technologies have led to the development of new treatments. However, in developing settings where sickle cell disease (SCD) is more prevalent, medical management, rather than a cure, still relies on the use of hydroxyurea, blood transfusions, and analgesics. This is a disease that affects red blood cells, consequently affecting most organs in diverse manners. We discuss its etiology and the advent of new technologies, but the aim of this study is to understand the various types of nutrition-related studies involving individuals suffering from SCD, particularly in Africa. The interplay of the environment, food, gut microbiota, along with their respective genomes collectively known as the gut microbiome, and host metabolism is responsible for mediating host metabolic phenotypes and modulating gut microbiota. In addition, it serves the purpose of providing essential nutrients. Moreover, it engages in direct interactions with host homeostasis and the immune system, as well as indirect interactions via metabolites. Nutrition interventions and nutritional care are mechanisms for addressing increased nutrient expenditures and are important aspects of supportive management for patients with SCD. Underprivileged areas in Sub-Saharan Africa should be accompanied by efforts to define and promote of the nutritional aspects of SCD. Their importance is key to maintaining well-being and quality of life, especially because new technologies and products remain limited, while the use of native medicinal plant resources is acknowledged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Bell
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Theodoros Varzakas
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of the Peloponnese, 24100 Kalamata, Greece
| | - Theodora Psaltopoulou
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Tito Fernandes
- CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Klein LJ, Abdullahi SU, Gambo S, Stallings VA, Acra S, Rodeghier M, DeBaun MR. Risk factors in underweight older children with sickle cell anemia: a comparison of low- to high-income countries. Blood Adv 2023; 7:6923-6930. [PMID: 37756514 PMCID: PMC10685159 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023009711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated that older children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) living in Nigeria are at increased risk of death if they are underweight (weight-for-age z score < -1). We now conducted a cross-sectional study in low- and high-income settings to determine the risk factors for being underweight a in children aged 5 to 12 years with SCA. The children from low- and high-income settings were eligible participants for the Primary Prevention of Stroke in Children with Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria (SPRING; N = 928) and the Silent Cerebral Infarct (SIT, North America/Europe; N = 1093) trials, respectively. The median age in the SPRING and SIT cohorts was 8.1 and 8.5 years, respectively (P < .001). A total of 87.9% (n = 816) of participants in the SPRING trial (low-income) met the study criteria for being underweight (weight-for-age z score < -1), and 22.7% (n = 211) for severely underweight (weight-for-age z score < -3), significantly higher than the SIT (high-income) cohort at 25.7% underweight (n = 281) and 0.7% severely underweight (n = 8; P < .001 for both comparisons). In the combined cohort, older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.24; P < .001) and lower hemoglobin level (OR, 0.67; P < .001) were associated with being underweight. Age and hemoglobin level remained statistically significant in separate models for the SPRING and SIT cohorts. Older age and lower hemoglobin levels in children aged 5 to 12 years with SCA are associated with being underweight in low- and high-income settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Jane Klein
- D. Brent Polk Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Shehu Umar Abdullahi
- Department of Pediatrics, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Safiya Gambo
- Department of Pediatrics, Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Virginia A. Stallings
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Sari Acra
- D. Brent Polk Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN
| | | | - Michael R. DeBaun
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt-Meharry Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abdullahi SU, Gambo S, Murtala HA, Kabir H, Shamsu KA, Gwarzo G, Acra S, Stallings VA, Rodeghier M, DeBaun MR, Klein LJ. Feasibility trial for the management of severe acute malnutrition in older children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria. Blood Adv 2023; 7:6024-6034. [PMID: 37428866 PMCID: PMC10582275 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) living in Nigeria are at an increased risk of malnutrition, which contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. However, evidence-based guidelines for managing malnutrition in children with SCA are lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a multicenter, randomized controlled feasibility trial to assess the feasibility and safety of treating children with SCA aged from 5 to 12 years and having uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition (body mass index z score of <-3.0). Children with SCA and uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition were randomly allocated to receive supplemental ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) with or without moderate-dose hydroxyurea therapy (20 mg/kg per day). Over a 6-month enrollment period, 3190 children aged from 5 to 12 years with SCA were evaluated for eligibility, and 110 of 111 children who were eligible were enrolled. During the 12-week trial, no participants withdrew or missed visits. One participant died of unrelated causes. Adherence was high for hydroxyurea (94%, based on pill counts) and RUTF (100%, based on the number of empty sachets returned). No refeeding syndrome event or hydroxyurea-related myelosuppression occurred. At the end of the trial, the mean change in body mass index z score was 0.49 (standard deviation = 0.53), and 39% of participants improved their body mass index z score to ≥-3.0. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and potential of outpatient treatment for uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition in children with SCA aged from 5 to 12 years in a low-resource setting. However, RUTF sharing with household and community members potentially confounded the response to malnutrition treatment. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03634488.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shehu U. Abdullahi
- Department of Pediatrics, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Safiya Gambo
- Department of Pediatrics, Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Hassan Adam Murtala
- Department of Pediatrics, Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Halima Kabir
- Department of Pediatrics, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Khadija A. Shamsu
- Department of Pediatrics, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Garba Gwarzo
- Department of Pediatrics, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Sari Acra
- Department of Pediatrics, D. Brent Polk Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN
| | - Virginia A. Stallings
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Michael R. DeBaun
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt-Meharry Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Lauren J. Klein
- Department of Pediatrics, D. Brent Polk Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Klein LJ, Ayete-Nyampong JB, Williams AM, Harding LA, Oppong SA, Acra S, DeBaun MR, Imdad A. Epidemiology of Maternal Nutritional Status and Risk of Adverse Birth Outcomes in Undernourished Mothers with Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol. Methods Protoc 2023; 6:88. [PMID: 37736971 PMCID: PMC10514847 DOI: 10.3390/mps6050088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In pregnancies complicated by sickle cell disease (SCD), the maternal-fetal dyad is at high risk for mortality and morbidity. In healthy pregnancies, maternal nutritional status is a critical factor for the healthy growth and development of the fetus. However, there are no reviews of the current research on the nutritional status of pregnant women with SCD and pregnancy outcomes. First, we aim to assess the burden of malnutrition in pregnant women with SCD. Next, we aim to systematically evaluate if pregnant women with SCD who have poor nutritional status are at increased risk for adverse birth outcomes compared to pregnant women with sickle cell disease and normal nutritional status. We will systematically search multiple electronic databases. Our exposure is pregnant women with SCD and poor nutritional status. The primary outcomes of interest include low birth weight (categorical) and birth weight z-scores (continuous). We will also evaluate maternal and perinatal outcomes as secondary outcomes. We will evaluate the risk of bias and overall certainty of evidence with Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I), and the overall evidence will be assessed using Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. We will pool findings with a meta-analysis if sufficient homogeneity exists among studies. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated to SCD advocacy groups. PROSPERO registration number: 429412.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J. Klein
- Department of Pediatrics, D. Brent Polk Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
| | | | - Annette M. Williams
- Center for Knowledge Management, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Lori A. Harding
- Center for Knowledge Management, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Samuel A. Oppong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra P.O. Box 77, Ghana;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra P.O. Box 77, Ghana
| | - Sari Acra
- Department of Pediatrics, D. Brent Polk Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Michael R. DeBaun
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt-Meharry Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Aamer Imdad
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ohemeng A, Nartey EB, Quaidoo E, Ansong RS, Asiedu MS. Knowledge and nutrition-related practices among caregivers of adolescents with sickle cell disease in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:434. [PMID: 36879231 PMCID: PMC9990343 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15343-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to its severe adverse effect on child mortality, sickle cell disease (SCD) has been identified as a set of diseases of public health concern. The high mortality rate among children with SCD in Africa has been attributed to several factors including sub-optimal management and care. This study documented the nutrition-related knowledge and practices of caregivers of teenagers who suffer from sickle cell disease (SCD) to inform decisions on integrated management of the disease. METHODS The study included caregivers (n = 225) of adolescents with SCD who attended clinic at selected hospitals in Accra, Ghana. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was employed in the gathering of information related to general and nutrition-related knowledge about SCD, as well as data on their nutrition-related practices with regards to their children who suffer from SCD. Pearson's Chi-square test and binary logistic regression analyses were applied to explore the relationship between caregivers' nutrition-related knowledge and practice. RESULTS Nutrition-related knowledge among the caregivers studied was low, with less than a third of them (29.3%) of the sample being classified as having good knowledge. Caregivers who considered nutrition care when the child experienced crises were few (21.8%), and those with low nutrition-related knowledge were less likely to do this compared with caregivers having high knowledge (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.18, 0.78). The common nutrition actions reported were the provision of more fruits/fruit juices (36.5%) and warm fluids such as soups and teas (31.7%). More than a third of the caregivers (38.7%) admitted that they faced challenges in caring for their adolescents with SCD, particularly in the area of finance for the needed health care. CONCLUSION Our study findings indicate that it is important to incorporate appropriate nutrition education messages for caregivers as part of a holistic management of SCD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agartha Ohemeng
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon Boundary, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Eunice Berko Nartey
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon Boundary, Accra, Ghana
| | - Esi Quaidoo
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States of America
| | - Richard Stephen Ansong
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon Boundary, Accra, Ghana
| | - Matilda Steiner Asiedu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon Boundary, Accra, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Charlotte EE, Ritha Carole MB, Calixthe IP, Jeanne Georgette ME, Patricia E, Iyawa H, Edgar MML, Michael Ngenge B, Gaelle NK, Claudia EBB, Dicka SM, Paul KN, Daniele-Christiane KMK. Describing the growth and nutritional status of sickle cell disease children and adolescents with reference to WHO growth standards in Cameroon. BMC Nutr 2022; 8:154. [PMID: 36575492 PMCID: PMC9793582 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-022-00650-4] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic disease with many complications among which is growth retardation. Here, we described the growth and nutritional status patterns of children with SCD and adolescents living in Douala, Cameroon. METHODS This cross-sectional study took place at the sickle cell treatment center of Douala Laquintinie Hospital from November 2015 to April 2016. The sociodemographic and anthropometric information of each SCD patient was determined, and then used for computing z-score indexes (weight for age, weight for height, body mass index for height, and height for age). The different indexes were used to determine the prevalence of malnutrition forms (stunting, wasting, underweight, and overweight/obesity) and compared to WHO standards by gender and age. RESULTS A total of 208 children and adolescents participated in the study. The mean age was 8 years (±5) and the median age was 7 years. Males accounted for 53.4% of cases, giving a sex ratio of 1:1.1. The proportions of wasting, stunting, underweight, and overweight/obesity in the overall population were 7.1% (n = 15), 9.1% (n = 19), 3.6% (n = 5) and 3.3% (n = 7) respectively. In children under 5, wasting, stunting, underweight, and overweight/obesity were noted in 1.4% (n = 1), 9.5% (n = 7), 1.4% (n = 1), and 5.4% (n = 4) respectively. In patients aged 5 years and above, a proportion of 10.5% (n = 14) was wasted, 9.0% (n = 12) were stunted, 5.9% (n = 4) were underweight and 2.2% (n = 7) were overweight/obese. The growth curve of children under five in our study was superimposable to the WHO standard growth curve. In children older than 5 years, the left shift for stunting was more pronounced for boys compared to girls. CONCLUSION Nine percent of children and adolescents with SCD are stunted. The growth deficit appeared to be higher in patients aged 5 years and above, more particularly in boys than girls. Overweight/obesity was uncommon in our series. More robust research designs and statistical analyses are needed to confirm or refute these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eposse Ekoube Charlotte
- grid.413096.90000 0001 2107 607XFaculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon ,Department of Pediatrics, Hopital Laquintinie Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Mbono Betoko Ritha Carole
- grid.413096.90000 0001 2107 607XFaculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon ,Department of Pediatrics, Hopital Laquintinie Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Ida Penda Calixthe
- grid.413096.90000 0001 2107 607XFaculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Mony Elimbi Jeanne Georgette
- grid.413096.90000 0001 2107 607XFaculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Epee Patricia
- grid.413096.90000 0001 2107 607XFaculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Hassanatou Iyawa
- grid.413096.90000 0001 2107 607XFaculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Mandeng Ma Linwa Edgar
- grid.29273.3d0000 0001 2288 3199Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Budzi Michael Ngenge
- grid.29273.3d0000 0001 2288 3199Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | - Koki Ndombo Paul
- grid.412661.60000 0001 2173 8504Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Relevance of Plasma Homocysteine and Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase 677TT Genotype in Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314641. [PMID: 36498990 PMCID: PMC9736045 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314641] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the relevance of plasma homocysteine (HC) and the TT genotype of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism (rs1801133) in sickle cell disease (SCD) and associated vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) and ischemic stroke (IS). We identified in Embase and Medline 22 studies on plasma HC and 22 on MTHFR genotypes. Due to age-related HC differences, adult and paediatric SCD were separated: 879 adult SCD and 834 controls (CTR) yielded a neutral effect size; 427 paediatric SCD and 625 CTR favoured SCD (p = 0.001) with wide heterogeneity (I2 = 95.5%) and were sub-grouped by country: six studies (Dutch Antilles n = 1, USA n = 5) yielded a neutral effect size, four (India n = 1, Arab countries n = 3) favoured SCD (p < 0.0001). Moreover, 249 SCD in VOC and 419 out of VOC yielded a neutral effect size. The pooled prevalence of the MTHFR TT genotype in 267 SCD equalled that of 1199 CTR (4.26% vs. 2.86%, p = 0.45), and in 84 SCD with IS equalled that of 86 without IS (5.9% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.47); removal of one paediatric study yielded a significant effect size (p = 0.006). Plasma HC in paediatric SCD from Middle East and India was higher, possibly due to vitamin deficiencies. Despite its low prevalence in SCD, the MTHFR TT genotype relates to adult IS.
Collapse
|