Pattern of anaemic crises in Paediatric Sickle Cell Anaemic Patients seen at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, North-eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is the commonest haemoglobinopathy worldwide. The main presentation is chronic anaemia often exacerbated during periods of rapid destruction of red blood cells, marrow failure, or acute sequestration. Blood transfusion is often needed to save lives; unfortunately, this is often not available. Objectives: This study aimed at identifying the pattern of anaemic crises, the age group with the highest frequency and associated morbidities. Methodology: This was an analytical observational study that examined patterns of anaemic crises in children with SCA. Patients who fulfil the inclusion criteria were recruited consecutively. Standard laboratory methods as described by Dacie and Lewis were employed in the evaluation of specimens. Results: One hundred patients in anaemic crisis, comprised 53 males and 47 females, given an M: F ratio of 1.1:1, and 100 SCA patients age- and sex-matched in steady state. The mean ± SD age of cases was 7.2 ± 3.5 while that of controls was 6.82 ± 3.98, there was no difference between the ages p = 0.53. The highest incidence of anaemic crisis was seen among those aged 10 to 16 years. Malaria was the commonest morbidity among all types of anaemic crises. There was no association between types of morbidity and anaemic crisis p = 0.42. Conclusions: Haemolytic crisis was the most common anaemic crisis; acute splenic sequestration was commoner in the under-fives. Children older than 10 years were at greatest risk of anaemic crisis. Malaria was the commonest associated morbidity.

Keywords

• anaemia
• crisis
• maiduguri
• paediatrics
• sickle cell