Sickle Cell Disease-Related Complications among a Cohort of Steady State Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients in a Tertiary Hospital, North-Western Nigeria.

Background: As the survival rate of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients has increased in the last few decades, more patients are presenting with complications of the disease. The pattern and distribution of these complications will determine resource allocation, intervention and prevention strategies. Aims and Objectives: The study identified and characterised the different SCD-related complications (SDRCs) in a cohort of Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) patients in North-western Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which 100 SCA patients in a steady state were recruited consecutively. Information on socio-demographics and medical history was obtained using case files and interviewer-administered questionnaires. We determined the steady-state haematological and biochemical parameters. The primary outcome was the proportion of the different SDRCs and their laboratory and clinical characteristics. Results: Sickle Cell Anaemia patients (78% females and 22% males) aged between 18 and 43 years were enrolled. The most common SDRCs included avascular necrosis (16%), chronic leg ulcer (14%), stroke (11%), priapism (24.8%), acute chest syndrome (5%), renal disease (4%), and pulmonary hypertension (1%). Bone pain crises (57%) were the main reason for hospital admission. Steady-state haematological parameters were similar across patients, but total bilirubin was significantly higher among those with avascular necrosis (p-0.014), while direct bilirubin was higher in patients with chronic leg ulcer (p-0.001) and priapism (p-0.007). Thirty-six per cent (36%) of the patients had blood transfusions, with patients suffering from renal disease receiving the highest volume (6.75 units per patient). Conclusion: Findings of this study will guide decision-making among clinicians and policymakers in the management and prevention of SCD-related complications.