Publication:

Relationship between cerebral blood flow velocities and sociodemographic characteristics of sickle cell anaemia children aged 2-16 years seen at federal teaching hospital Owerri

Background Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a chronic haemolytic state associated with recurrent blood transfusions, infections and its attendant complications. The study compared the relationship between cerebral artery blood flow velocities (CBFV) and socio-demographic parameters (age, sex, socioeconomic status and age at diagnosis) of male and female SCA children aged 2-16 years seen at Federal Teaching Hospital Owerri, Imo state.

Methods Structured questionnaire were used to obtain relevant bio-sociodemographic information’s from SCA children that attended the sickle cell specialist clinic of the hospital between April and September 2023.Later, Transcranial Doppler ultrasound scan was done for them.

Results A total of 102 subjects were screened within the study period. CBFV decreases with increasing age, 100% of those with abnormal CBFV were aged 2-6 years and 75% females. Majority of children with abnormal CBFV belonged to lower and middle socioeconomic class. Abnormal CBFV was found in 17.6% of subjects

Conclusions The prevalence of abnormal cerebral blood flow velocity in SCA children is 17.6% and majorily in younger age group. Identification of subjects at risk for a CVA helped in primary prevention by prompt therapy institution.