Impact of COVID-19 on vasooclusive crisis in patients with sickle cell anaemia

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.03.044
• Publication Date: 2021-03-18T17:20:08Z
• Authors: S. Alkindi; R.A. Elsadek; A. Al-Madhani; M. Al-Musalhi; S.Y. AlKindi; G. Al-Khadouri; B. Al Rawahi; S. Al-Ruqeishi; J. Al-Yazeedi; Y.A. Wali; S. Al Shamakhi; M. Al Rawahi; A.V. Pathare
• Keywords: White blood cell

ObjectivesThe study aimed to assess COVID-19 impact on the morbidity and mortality of vasooclusive crisis (VOC) in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients.MethodsA prospective cohort 100 SCA patients; 50 with (COVID group) without (non-COVID group). All patients signed written informed consent.ResultsThe COVID group had a significantly higher VOC episode median per year; 3 (IQR,1-6) vs 2 (IQR,2-12) (P < 0.05). The need for hospitalisation was similar both groups. non-COVID more history culture-proven infection = COVID-group osteonecrosis 0.05), splenic sequestration, splenomegaly hepatic 0.05, 0.006, 0.02; respectively) 0.05) symptoms fever, cough, fatigue, abdominal pain anosmia. Mean haemoglobin, lymphocyte subset, platelets, reticulocytes were reduced groups, while lactate dehydrogenase ferritin levels elevated. In group, rise white blood count, reticulocyte percentage, platelets subdued Two died; there no statistically significant difference mortality.ConclusionsAlthough may have triggered onset VOC, it did not influence VOC-related or this cohort.