Epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of sickle cell disease: A retrospective study in Wangata General Referral Hospital, Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction Sickle cell disease (SCD) remains a major public health challenge in Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of the Congo, yet its clinical and epidemiological characteristics are insufficiently studied. Purpose This study aims to describe the prevalence, clinical profiles, and treatment outcomes of SCD in children treated at Wangata General Referral Hospital. Methods A retrospective review of medical records for children aged 2 months to 15 years hospitalised between January 2017 and December 2023 was conducted. Data were analysed using Epi Info version 7.2.5.0. Results Among 4,492 paediatric admissions, 64 cases of SCD were identified, yielding a prevalence of 1.4%. The case-fatality rate was 20.3%, with complications such as malaria and sepsis contributing to deaths. Hydroxyurea, a standard therapeutic agent, was not administered to any patient. The average length of hospitalisation was 3.5 days, and most deaths (53.8%) occurred within 48 hours of admission. Conclusion SCD in Wangata is characterised by low prevalence but high mortality, reflecting gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and hospital resources. Urgent measures are needed to improve awareness, healthcare provider training, and access to essential medications.