Background
Patients with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) develop complications as a result of repeated crises. Hypoxaemia has been observed in children with SCA in the absence of overt cardiopulmonary illness.
Objectives
To determine the prevalence of hypoxaemia and the clinical and laboratory features associated with hypoxaemia among SCA children in their steady state.
Methods
It is an observational cross-sectional study involving 102 SCA children aged 6-17 years in steady state. Their medical history was obtained, and oxygen saturation (SpO2) was determined during the clinic visit. Echocardiography and spirometry were performed on the participants to investigate associated cardiopulmonary complications.
Results
The mean ± SD age of the children was 10.4 ± 3.49 years and the prevalence of hypoxaemia was 16.7%. Hypoxaemia was significantly associated with increasing age (p=0.003), repeated episodes of crisis of three or more times in the preceding year (p=0.030), type of crisis (haemolytic and vasoocclusive crisis) (p=0.038), non-usage of hydroxyurea (p=0.019) and tricuspid regurgitant velocity≥ 2.5 m/s (p=0.001). Previous history of acute chest syndrome, blood transfusion, haematocrit (PCV) and spirometry pattern had no significant relationship with hypoxaemia.
Conclusion: Hypoxaemia is common among children with sickle-cell anaemia in steady-state; hence, there is need to monitor the oxygen saturation of SCA patients, particularly adolescents and those with recurrent crisis.