Abstract

Kate Tubonemi

Sickle cell disease (SCD) and its variants are genetic disorders resulting from the presence of a mutated form of hemoglobin, hemoglobin S (HbS). The most common and severe form of SCD found in Nigeria is homozygous HbS disease (HbSS) which is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. A key component in management of patients with sickle cell anaemia is transfusion therapy. This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors for blood transfusion among SCD patients. This was a retrospective study, in which files of patients seen in clinic or admitted in the Pediatrics Department of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital within 2 years were reviewed. Of the 131 cases, 130 had genotype Hb SS and 1 had genotype Hb SC. Fifty seven percent had received at least one blood transfusion and the commonest indication for transfusion was severe anemia. Considering the complications of blood transfusion, efforts must be made to reduce the frequency of blood transfusion by preventive measures such as early diagnosis, regular follow-up, malaria prophylaxis and folic acid usage.