Clinical predictors of poor outcomes in patients with sickle cell disease and COVID-19 infection

Abstract

We aimed to identify predictors of outcomes and survival in patients living in 4 major metropolitan areas who had sickle cell disease (SCD) and COVID-19 to inform best approaches to prevention and care. Data were collected at baseline and during the clinical course in SCD patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in four COVID-19 epicenters. Patients were followed up posthospital discharge for up to 3 months. Of sixty-six SCD patients with COVID-19, fifty patients (75%) required hospitalization, and seven died (10.6%). Patients with preexisting kidney disease (chronic kidney disease) were more likely to be hospitalized. The most common presenting symptom was vaso-occlusive pain. Acute chest syndrome occurred in 30 (60%) of the 50 hospitalized patients and in all who died. Older age and histories of pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and stroke were more prevalent in patients who died, as were higher creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, and D-dimer levels. Anticoagulation use while inpatient was twice less common in patients who died. All deaths occurred in individuals not taking hydroxyurea or any other SCD-modifying therapy. Patients with SCD and COVID-19 exhibited a broad range of disease severity. We cannot definitively state that the overall mortality is higher in patients with SCD, although our case fatality rate was ∼10% compared with ∼3% in the general population, despite a median age of 34 years. Individuals with SCD aged >50 years, with preexisting cardiopulmonary, renal disease, and/or stroke not receiving hydroxyurea, who present with high serum creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, and D-dimer levels, are at higher risk of death, irrespective of genotype or sex.

Sickle cell disease and COVID‐19: Susceptibility and severity

“…Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19), results in a cytokine storm with damage to organs, mainly lungs in severely affected patients. 1 Hemoglobin S (HbS), an abnormal structural hemoglobin variant, results from valine substitution for glutamic acid at the sixth position of the beta globin chain of hemoglobin.…”

Comparison of the clinical course of COVID-19 infection in sickle cell disease patients with healthcare professionals

“…When compared with healthcare professionals infected with COVID-19 in the same age group, it is seen that patients have more comorbid conditions and develop more pneumonia as expected [23][24][25]. It was noteworthy that in addition to the comorbid state, one-third of the patients used ACE inhibitors for proteinuria or cardiac reasons.…”

COVID-19 Presentation in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: A Case Series

“…Individuals with SCD likely have preexisting multiorgan dys-function and delicate immune systems, which put them at an increased risk for COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality, especially when the infection is unrecognized and improperly treated. SCD impacts millions of people globally and over 100 000 people in the United States [ 12 ]. Despite its prevalence, until very recently, SCD was a vastly understudied disease [ 12 ].…”

“…SCD impacts millions of people globally and over 100 000 people in the United States [ 12 ]. Despite its prevalence, until very recently, SCD was a vastly understudied disease [ 12 ]. Continued research on SCD and on its interaction with major infectious diseases and determinants of health is imperative to provide the best care and outcomes to those with SCD.…”