TITLE:
Iron Metabolism Abnormalities in Children with Homozygous Sickle Cell Disease in Brazzaville
AUTHORS:
Lucie Charlotte Ollandzobo Ikobo, Hardy Maryse Ibovi Gataud, Steve Vassili Missambou Mandilou, Olivia Firmine Galiba Atipo-Tsiba, Rolf Iwandza, Jean Robert Mabiala Babela
KEYWORDS:
Anomalies, Metabolism, Iron, Child, Homozygous Sickle Cell Disease, Brazzaville
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.13 No.3,
May
15,
2023
ABSTRACT:
Introduction: Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic disease in the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. It
is a protean condition with multiple complications including disturbed iron
metabolism. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of iron metabolism
abnormalities in children with homozygous sickle cell disease, to describe the
epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical characteristics of children with
these abnormalities and to identify associated factors. Patients and Methods:
This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted over 9 months in the mother-child consultation unit of the
Brazzaville University Hospital, the National Reference Centre for Sickle Cell
Disease and the paediatric department of the Blanche Gomes mother-child
hospital. It concerned children aged between 3 months and 15 years followed up
for homozygous sickle cell disease. The study was based on a haemogram, iron
metabolism test, LDH, transaminases and CRP. Results: The overall
prevalence of iron metabolism abnomalities was 40.7%. Of the 145 children
included, 35.9% had iron overload and 4.8% iron deficiency. Iron overload was
associated with infections, undernutrition, iron supplementation and number of
blood transfusions. Iron deficiency was not significantly associated with any
factor but recurrent infections were relatively more frequent. Conclusion: Abnormalities
of iron metabolism in sickle cell patients are relatively frequent, which
justifies monitoring during follow-up for early detection and better
management.