Epidemiological and clinical profile of alloimmunized children with sickle cell disease hospitalized in four hospital departments in Libreville

E, Mintsa Mi Nkama and FC, Loembe and TL, Midili and A, Mekame Meye and S, Minto'o and E, Kuissi Kamgaing and Jean, Koko and S, Ategbo (2025) Epidemiological and clinical profile of alloimmunized children with sickle cell disease hospitalized in four hospital departments in Libreville. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 25 (2). pp. 1263-1268. ISSN 2581-9615

Sickle cell disease is a hereditary disease of the hemoglobin that provides blood transfusion and is responsible for the occurrence of alloimmunization in children with sickle cell disease. Objective: The main objective is to describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of alloimmunized children with sickle cell disease hospitalized in four hospital departments in Libreville. Materials and methods: This was a prospective descriptive, analytical study that took place over a period of seven months. We included all children with sickle cell disease, whether or not they were being monitored and hospitalized for acute anemia with a history of blood transfusion. Results: During our study period, we included 71 children with sickle cell disease. The average age of the children was 80.2±55.4 months. The medical follow-up of children with sickle cell disease was correct 38% (n=27). The inter-critical hemoglobin level was 7g/dl. The medical history was found on average 3 blood transfusions of packed red blood cells. The blood group O positive was the most common 49.3% (n=). Packed red blood cells were the only labile blood product transfused 100% (n=71). The post-transfusion gain in hemoglobin was 1.48±1.3g/dl. The phenotype when incompatible was linked to a low post-transfusion gain. Splenomegaly and jaundice were the post-transfusion complications found with respectively 62% (n=44) and 36.6% (n=26). The Coombs test was positive 26.8% (n=19). Conclusion: The phenomenon of alloimmunization remains unknown and underdiagnosed in children with sickle cell disease. The presence of clinical signs of post-transfusion hemolysis requires specific tests to be performed.