Acute Complications of Sickle Cell Disease: A Retrospective Study in Pediatric Emergency Departments

Author(s): Amadou Sow, Yaay Joor Dieng, Dieynaba Fafa Cisse, Aliou Thiongane, Ndeye Fatou Sow, Djibril Boiro, Guilaye Diagne, Aminata Mbaye, Awa Kane, Cheikh Tidiane Diagne, Moussa Seck, Amadou Lamine Fall, Indou Deme Ly, Ousmane Ndiaye*

Introduction: Sickle cell anemia is an autosomal recessive genetic disease, linked to the synthesis of an abnormal hemoglobin called hemoglobin S. It manifests itself with acute complications that can be fatal. The objective of this work was to evaluate the management of acute complications of sickle cell anemia in the emergency room.

Methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive study over 12 months (January-December 20) concerning children hospitalized in the SAU for acute complications of sickle cell anemia.

Results: The prevalence of acute complications of sickle cell disease in the emergency room was 5.82%. The average age was 8.14 years (6 months - 18 years) including 53.85% boys. The reasons were dominated by bone pain (55.77%), fever (34.62%). Asthenia was noted in 84.62% of patients, pallor 82.69%. Respiratory distress was noted in 69.23% of cases. The average hemoglobin level was 7.3 g/dl (2.7 - 9.2 g/dL. The main complications were bone CVO (37.23%), acute hemolysis (30.77%), acute infections (13.46%), acute chest syndrome (11.54%). Management included hydration by infusion (98.08%), antibiotic therapy (48%), transfusion (53.84%) and oxygen therapy (28.84%). Level II analgesics were more used (88.5%). There were 2 deaths.

Conclusion: Acute complications of sickle cell disease are common in emergency departments. They require rapid and adequate treatment for a better prognosis. Emphasis should be placed on primary prevention through genetic counseling.