Management of Sickle Cell Disease Complications Beyond Acute Chest Syndrome

Morbidity and Mortality Associated with COVID-19 and Acute Chest Syndrome in Sickle Cell Disease Patients

SUMMARYCOVID-19 infection has emerged as a comorbidity that can significantly increase morbidity and mortality in sickle cell patients with ACS (acute thoracic/chest syndrome). The aim of our study was to assess COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality in sickle cell patients with ACS. This was a retrospective, descriptive study of patient records followed over a 36-month period from January 2020 to December 2022. The study was conducted at the national blood transfusion center in Dakar. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.82. The median age was 26 (17-39) years. The most represented age group was between 21 and 30 years. Factors associated with death were: at baseline, SS genotype, presence of comorbidities (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, viral hepatitis B, ischemic heart disease), osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) at diagnosis of COVID-19; at the diagnosis of ACS associated with COVID-19, respiratory distress, hypoxia (Sa02 < 92%), creatininemia >18.5 mg/l, CRP >192 mg/l, lymphopenia; the therapeutic modalities associated with death were: transfusion of RBCs (packed red blood cells) and curative anticoagulation. This study shows that patients with comorbidities and/or chronic complications of sickle cell disease can develop severe forms of ACS associated with COVID 19, leading to death. Other factors linked to death, notably diagnostic and therapeutic, were also identified in the course of this study.

Safety and efficacy of L-Glutamine in reducing the frequency of acute complications among patients with sickle cell disease: A randomized controlled study

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of L-glutamine in reducing vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) and improving cerebral arterial blood flow in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). This is an interventional randomized controlled trial that recruited sixty SCD patients, aged 9.2 ± 3.7 years, who had at least two VOCs during the last 12 months and on a stable dose of hydroxyurea. They were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive glutamine (0.3 gm/kg/dose/12h) orally for 24 weeks or the standard of care (SOC). All patients had VOCs in the last year > 3, those on glutamine had a higher number of VOCs and hospitalization for VOC in the last year. There was a decreasing trend in the number, severity, and hospitalization of VOC and a significantly lower cumulative number of VOCs and hospitalizations in the glutamine group than in SOC (p = 0.008, p < 0.001 respectively). Time-averaged mean maximum velocity for the glutamine group had a marginal increase in both middle cerebral arteries, all values remained normal within a normal range, and in both internal carotid arteries, values increased from abnormally low to normal ranges at week 24. Glutamine reduced the number of VOCs and severity and may have a potentially favorable impact on the cerebral arterial flow velocities.

Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in the Assessment, and Management of Sickle-Cell Disease: A Meta-Aggregative Review

BACKGROUND

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) presents significant health challenges globally. Despite its prevalence in diverse geographical regions, there is a paucity of literature synthesizing evidence on healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward SCD assessment and management. This meta-aggregative review systematically examined and synthesized existing qualitative research to elucidate healthcare professionals' KAP regarding SCD assessment and management.

METHODS

This meta-aggregative review followed Aromataris and Pearson's guidelines and the PRISMA framework for systematic review reporting. The search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Web of Science, Google Scholar, Dimensions AI, and HINARI. Quality appraisal was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool.

RESULTS

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) demonstrate varying levels of KAP toward SCD assessment and management. Studies reveal low-to-moderate levels of general knowledge among HCPs, with nurses often exhibiting poorer understanding than physicians. Deficiencies in awareness of specific interventions, such as chemoprophylaxis and prenatal diagnosis, are noted, along with gaps in SCD assessment and diagnosis, particularly in pain management and premarital screening. Attitudes toward SCD patients vary, and practices reveal inconsistencies and deficiencies, including inadequate nutritional counseling and barriers in emergency departments. However, interventions aimed at improving HCPs' KAP show promise in enhancing understanding and attitudes toward SCD, suggesting potential avenues for improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Educational initiatives targeted at both student nurses and practicing healthcare providers, coupled with the implementation of standardized protocols and guidelines, can enhance knowledge acquisition and promote consistent, high-quality care delivery. Future studies should improve the quality of their methods in this area of study.

Case Report: Obstetric and COVID-19-Related Morbidity and Mortality in Three Patients with Sickle Hemoglobinopathy

Approximately 3% of pregnant women have sickle cell disease (SCD). COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), became a global pandemic in March 2020, resulting in more than 3,500 deaths in Jamaica by April 2023. Sickle cell disease is an immunocompromised state; therefore, contracting COVID-19 may result in adverse maternal/neonatal outcomes. Current literature focusing on individuals of Afro-Caribbean descent is limited. Our objective was to describe the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of pregnant patients with SCD who contracted COVID-19. A retrospective case series was conducted at the University Hospital of the West Indies (Jamaica) from 2020 to 2022. We describe the maternal and neonatal outcomes of three patients with COVID-19 and SCD (including two with hemoglobin SC disease and one with hemoglobin SS disease), with complications including the demise of a mother and a newborn. Vaso-occlusive crisis was the more common presentation. Two patients required ventilatory support. Although previous reports have shown similar clinical sequelae in pregnant and nonpregnant patients with SCD and COVID-19, maternal and neonatal deaths remain possible.

Beyond pulmonary embolism: Alternative diagnosis and incidental findings on CT pulmonary angiography in sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic hematological disorder associated with severe complications, such as vaso-occlusive crises, acute chest syndrome (ACS), and an increased risk of thromboembolic events, including pulmonary embolism (PE). The diagnosis of PE in SCD patients presents challenges due to the overlapping symptoms with other pulmonary conditions. Our previous study revealed that nearly 96% of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) scans in SCD patients were negative for PE, highlighting a gap in understanding the significance of CTPA findings when PE is absent.

METHODS

In this retrospective follow-up study conducted at the Salmaniya Medical Complex in Bahrain, we examined SCD patients with HbSS genotypes who underwent CTPA from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021, for suspected PE, but the results were negative. The aim of this study was to identify alternative diagnoses and incidental findings from CTPA scans. Experienced radiologists reviewed the CTPA images and reports to assess potential alternative diagnoses and incidental findings, incorporating an additional analysis of chest X-rays to evaluate the diagnostic value of CTPA. Incidental findings were classified based on their location and clinical significance.

RESULTS

Among the 230 evaluated SCD patients (average age 39.7 years; 53% male) who were CTPA negative for PE, 142 (61.7%) had identifiable alternative diagnoses, primarily pneumonia (49.1%). Notably, 88.0% of these alternative diagnoses had been previously suggested by chest radiographs. Furthermore, incidental findings were noted in 164 (71.3%) patients, with 11.0% deemed clinically significant, necessitating immediate action, and 87.8% considered potentially significant, requiring further assessment. Notable incidental findings included thoracic abnormalities such as cardiomegaly (12.2%) and an enlarged pulmonary artery (11.3%), as well as upper abdominal pathologies such as hepatomegaly (19.6%), splenomegaly (20.9%), and gallstones (10.4%).

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the limited additional diagnostic yield of CTPA for identifying alternative diagnoses to PE in SCD patients, with the majority of diagnoses, such as pneumonia, already suggested by chest radiographs. The frequent incidental findings, most of which necessitate further evaluation, highlight the need for a cautious and tailored approach to using CTPA in the SCD population.

Cardiovascular Consequences of Sickle Cell Disease

Background

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder which can lead to severe complications, particularly in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, potentially resulting in arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension (PH), and cardiomegaly. This study aims to investigate the risk of PH and arrhythmias in adult SCD patients.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of medical records from King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) for patients with SCD aged 15 and above between 2009 and 2021. The study included 517 patients, with echocardiograms and electrocardiograms assessed according to the European Society of Cardiology/the European Respiratory Society (ESC/ERS) guidelines for categorizing PH risk (low, moderate, high) and detecting arrhythmias. Data analysis employed the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), utilizing quantitative and qualitative data representation. Multivariate logistic regression identified independent risk factors with odds ratios at a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Among participants, 50.3% were male, with a total sample average age of 34.45 ± 9.28 years. Results indicated that 1.4% of patients experienced arrhythmias, 3.7% had a moderate PH risk, and 3.3% were classified as high PH risk. Logistic regression revealed significant independent risk factors for PH and arrhythmia in patients with SCD, with chronic kidney disease (CKD) carrying the highest odds (26.4 times higher odds of PH and 15.36 times higher odds of arrhythmias).

Conclusion

Patients with SCD are at risk for developing PH and various arrhythmias but are often underdiagnosed. Key risk factors for PH included CKD, liver cirrhosis, and pre-existing cardiac conditions. Arrhythmias were significantly associated with CKD and pre-existing cardiac conditions. To mitigate these risks, we recommend involving a multidisciplinary healthcare team in the care of adult patients with SCD. Future prospective studies are advised for early detection of PH and arrhythmias in hemoglobinopathy patients, potentially reducing mortality.

Splenic Sequestration Induced by Parvovirus B19: A Case Report

Splenic sequestration crisis is a life-threatening complication of sickle cell disease (SCD), characterized by a sudden and huge accumulation of blood in the spleen, leading to rapid enlargement and may lead to organ failure. This case report discusses an unusual case of a splenic sequestration crisis in an adult with SCD. The patient's age, Parvovirus B19 infection, and concurrent retrocardiac pneumonia are all things that differentiate this case from our usual presentation. We will be discussing the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and management.

Clinical Biomarkers of Acute Vaso-Occlusive Sickle Cell Crisis

It is known that an inherited blood condition called sickle cell disease (SCD) is a result of one gene. A number of blood and urine biomarkers have been determined in association with lab and clinical history for SCD patients. SCD has numerous interacting pathways associated with it, which have been identified by biomarkers. These mechanisms consist of some examples, such as endothelial vasodilation response, hypercoagulability, hemolysis, inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular dysfunction, and reperfusion injury among others. To effectively manage SCD, a comprehensive panel of validated blood and urine biomarkers must be established. Despite its monogenic inheritance, the complex nature of the SCD phenotype has impeded progress in its treatment. However, significant strides have been made in clinical biotechnology, paving the way for potential breakthroughs. In SCD, a panel of verified blood and urine biomarkers must be established, however. Despite monogenic inheritance, the great complexity of the SCD phenotype has hindered progress in its management. With few exceptions, clinical biomarkers of illness severity have been found through epidemiological investigations; nevertheless, systematic integration of these biomarkers into clinical treatment algorithms has not occurred. Furthermore, sickle cell crisis, the primary acute consequence of SCD, has been difficult to diagnose with the biomarkers now in use. Inadequate care and a lack of appropriate outcome measures for clinical research are the consequences of these diagnostic constraints. A new chapter in SCD customized treatment has begun with recent advancements in molecular and imaging diagnostics. Strategies in precision medicine are especially relevant now that molecular therapies are within reach. The significance of biochemical indicators linked to clinical manifestation and sub-phenotype identification in SCD is reviewed in this research.

Sickle Cell Anomaly Meets Leukemic Challenge: A Case Report

This case report delves into the rare occurrence of sickle cell disease (SCD) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) coexisting in a 36-year-old patient. The initial presentation, marked by escalating fatigue, pallor, and recurrent episodes initially attributed to sickle cell disease, unveiled an unexpected discovery of AML upon bone marrow examination. The diagnostic hurdles stemming from overlapping clinical features necessitated a thorough approach incorporating hematological, molecular, and imaging studies. Managing both conditions concurrently entailed navigating complexities addressed by a multidisciplinary team, tailoring chemotherapy regimens, and implementing personalized strategies to tackle complications associated with SCD. This case underscores the significance of tailored and comprehensive approaches in diagnosing and managing patients with overlapping hematological disorders. The insights gleaned from this instance contribute to the evolving comprehension of such intricate interplays, guiding future research endeavors and enhancing the care provided to patients simultaneously grappling with SCD and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This case study investigates the unusual medical history of a 36-year-old male patient who concurrently has acute myeloid leukemia and sickle cell disease. Since childhood, the patient has endured severe anemia, necessitating frequent red blood cell transfusions or exchange blood therapy. Additionally, the patient was prescribed hydroxyurea (HU) for approximately 26 months.

Evaluation of treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization and cost of illness for sickle cell disease in Ghana: a private medical insurance claims database study

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for nearly 75% of the global disease burden. The current analysis evaluated patient characteristics, treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and associated costs in patients with SCD based on a Private Medical Insurance Database in Ghana.

METHODS

This retrospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted using an e-claims database from Ghana (01 January 2015 to 31 March 2021). Patients were stratified by age (0 month to < 2 years, ≥ 2 years to ˂6 years, ≥ 6 years to < 12 years, ≥ 12 years to < 16 years; ≥16 years), vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) (< 1, ≥ 1 to < 3, and ≥ 3 per year), and continuous enrolment. Study outcomes related to patient characteristics, comorbidities, treatment pattern, HCRU were evaluated for pre- and post-index period (index period was between July 2015 to March 2020). Descriptive analysis was used to analyse different study variables.

RESULTS

The study included 2,863 patients (mean age: 20.1 years; Min age: 0; Max age: 83; females 56.1%). Overall, 52.2% (n = 1,495) of SCD patients were ≥ 16 years and 17.0% (n = 486) were in the ≥ 2 to ˂6-years age group. The majority of patients aged ≥ 16 years (62.5%) in the database did not have reported VOC episodes, 35.9% of patients had 1 to 3 VOCs per year and 1.5% had ≥ 3 VOCs per year during the follow-up period. Consultation-based prevalence of SCD was 0.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0-1.3%] - 1.4% [CI: 0.6-2.2%]. Malaria, upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and sepsis were the common complications of SCD. Analgesics were the most frequently prescribed medications followed by anti-infectives, hematinics, and antimalarials. Hydroxyurea, a routine standard of care for SCD was under-utilized. SCD patients had median cost incurred for consultation/hospital services of $11.3 (Interquartile range [IQR] $6.2 - $27.2). For patients with VOC, maximum median cost was incurred for medications ($10.9 [IQR $5.0-$32.6]). Overall median healthcare cost was highest for individuals with ≥ 3 VOCs per year during the follow-up period ($166.8 [IQR $70.3-$223.5]).

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective private insurance claims database analysis, SCD imposes a significant healthcare burden, especially in patients with VOC. There is a need for reimbursed treatment options that could reduce the long-term burden associated with SCD and VOC.

Sickle Cell Trait and Risk for Common Diseases: Evidence from the UK Biobank

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell trait is typically considered benign. Although evidence remains inconsistent, recent studies suggest that it is associated with several common diseases. We systematically assessed associations of sickle cell trait with reported diseases in a large population-based cohort.

METHODS

Study subjects were self-reported Blacks from the UK Biobank (UKB), a United Kingdom population-based cohort of subjects aged 40-69 years at recruitment in the United Kingdom. Sickle cell status was based on the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) or mutations in the HBB gene. Diagnoses of diseases were obtained from ICD-10 and self-reports. Associations of sickle cell trait and diseases were tested using logistic regression, adjusting for age at recruitment, sex, and genetic background (top 10 principal components).

RESULTS

Among the 8019 Blacks in the UKB, 699 (8.72%) were sickle cell trait carriers; the rate was significantly higher in females (9.74%) than males (7.48%), P = .0005. Sickle cell trait was under-diagnosed; most heterozygous hemoglobin subunit beta (HBB) gene Glu6Val carriers did not have a sickle cell trait ICD-10 record. Compared with non-sickle cell trait, sickle cell trait carriers had significantly increased risk for type 2 diabetes; odds ratio 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-1.68; P = .002. Sickle cell trait was also significantly associated with increased risk for renal diseases (rhabdomyolysis, end-stage renal disease, chronic kidney disease, renal papillary necrosis) and vascular diseases (hypertension, retinopathy, non-ischemic stroke), P < .05. While most of these diseases are complications/comorbidities of diabetes, their associations with sickle cell trait remained significant after adjusting for diabetes. Association with end-stage renal disease was stronger in subjects without diabetes, odds ratio 6.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.93-19.61; P = .001.

CONCLUSIONS

Sickle cell trait is significantly associated with increased risk for diabetes and diabetes-related complications/comorbidities.

A Systematic Review on the Management of Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury in Transfusion-Dependent Sickle Cell Disease

The onset of respiratory distress and acute lung injury (ALI) following a blood transfusion is known as transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), although its pathophysiology remains unknown. Even though sickle cell disease (SCD) has been studied for more than a century, few therapeutic and management strategies adequately address the emergence of TRALI. TRALI, an immune-mediated transfusion response that can result in life-threatening consequences, is diagnosed based on clinical signs and symptoms. Early detection and treatment increase the chances of survival and, in most cases, result in a complete recovery. Our objective is to provide a firm grasp of the present status of SCD-related TRALI care and therapy. After exploring multiple databases, this study offers evidence-based guidelines to aid clinicians and other healthcare professionals make decisions concerning transfusion assistance for SCD and the management of transfusion-related complications. Other risk factors for acute lung injury including sepsis aspiration should be ruled out throughout the diagnostic process. Several recent studies have shown that immunotherapy or immunological targets can effectively prevent these complications. Red cell transfusions, red cell antigen matching optimization, and iron chelation can also help reduce negative consequences. It is to be noted that poor clinical outcomes can be avoided by early detection and treatment of hemolytic transfusion reactions. Finally, preventing the onset of TRALI may be the most effective therapeutic strategy for SCD patients who rely on blood transfusions for survival.

Maternal mortality among women with sickle cell disease in Jamaica over two decades (1998-2017)

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects 2.8% of Jamaican antenatal women. Between 1998-2007 their maternal mortality ratio was 7-11 times higher than women without these disorders. We aim to determine if outcomes improved between 2008 and 17 amid declining fertility and changes in referral obstetric care.

METHODS

Maternal deaths in Jamaica's maternal mortality surveillance database (assembled since 1998) with SCD reported as underlying or associated cause of death were compared to those without known SCD, over two decades from 1998 to 2017. Social, demographic and health service variables were analysed using SPSS and EpiInfo Open.

FINDINGS

Over the two decades from 1998 to 2017, 806 (74%) of the 1082 pregnancy-associated deaths documented by the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness were maternal deaths. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) did not statistically change over the two periods for women with (p = 0.502) and without SCD (p = 0.629). The MMR among women with and without SCD in 2008-17 was 378.1 (n = 41) and 89.2/100,000 live births (n = 336) respectively, an odds ratio of 4.24 (95% CI: 3.07-5.87). When deaths due to their blood disorders were excluded, risk remained elevated at 2.17 (95% CI: 1.36-3.32). There was an upward trend in direct deaths over the two decades (p [trend]=0.051).

INTERPRETATION

MMRs were unchanged over two decades for Jamaicans with SCD. The high contribution to maternal mortality by women with SCD may explain some of the persistently higher mortality experience of women in the African diaspora. Multi-disciplinary evidence-based strategies need to be developed and tested which improve survival for women with SCD who want to have children.

FUNDING

No external funding was provided.