Cerebrovascular Disease in Children with Sickle Cell Disease: Is There Any Need for Iron Therapy?

Background: Iron deficiency is a common problem affecting children world-wide. It has been recognized to have an association with stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia among children with sickle cell anaemia with cerebrovascular accident and the need for iron therapy.

Materials and Methods: All cases of cerebrovascular disease in children with sickle cell anaemia presenting in the department of Paediatrics of the University of Teaching Hospital were prospectively investigated for serum ferritin, haemoglobin, and MCV, MCHC and blood film.

Results: A total of 152 children with sickle cell disease were seen during this period. One hundred and forty nine had HbSS genotype while 3 had HbSC genotype. Cerebrovascular disease was diagnosed in 7 patients giving a prevalence rate of 4.6%. Of these, 2(28.6%) had low serum ferritin levels (P=0.09) with hypochromia and microcytosis.

Conclusion: Iron deficiency anaemia is not uncommon among sickle cell patients with cerebrovascular disease. There is need for elaborate iron study in these patients so as to identify at risk cases and institute prompt treatment.