Prevalence of sickle cell disease among Grenadian newborns

Abstract

Objective To establish the birth prevalence of sickle cell disease in Grenada, with a view to assess the requirement for a population-based neonatal screening programme. Methods A two-year pilot neonatal screening programme, involving the Ministry of Health of Grenada, the Sickle Cell Association of Grenada, and the diagnostic laboratory of hemoglobinopathies of the University Hospital of Guadeloupe, was implemented in 2014-2015 under the auspices of the Caribbean Network of Researchers on Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia. Results Analysis of 1914 samples processed identified the following abnormal phenotypes: 10 FS, 2 FSC, 183 FAS, 63 FAC. These data indicate β and β allele frequencies of 0.054 and 0.018, respectively. Conclusion Neonatal screening conducted in the framework of this Caribbean cooperation can allow rapid detection and earlier management of affected children.

Neonatal Screening for Sickle Cell Disease in Congo

“…Variant C was found only in NBs with Malian parentage. This observation is similar to that made by some authors [ 6 , 13 , 14 , 20 , 24 , 28 ], but differs from others in West Africa where Hb C predominates in most series 10. Indeed, Hb C is the most common abnormal Hb in West Africa and more particularly in Burkina Faso where it originated [ 29 ].…”

“…In contrast, other authors in West and East Africa reported lower prevalences than ours (5 to 12%). This may be justified by the fact that these areas are far from the epicenter of sickle cell disease, which is in Central Africa [ 6 , 10 , 12 , 13 , 28 ]. Much lower prevalences (0.08 to 3.8%) are reported in European and American studies [ 9 , 21 , 23 – 25 , 31 ].…”

Newborn Screening for Sickle Cell Disease in the Caribbean: An Update of the Present Situation and of the Disease Prevalence

“…Table 2 summarizes the main results of the hemoglobinopathy NBS programs performed in the French territories [ 6 ], Jamaica [ 5 ], Grenada [ 13 ], Tobago [ 9 ], and Saint Lucia [ 10 ].…”

“…Allele frequencies were estimated by gene-counting and the prevalence of SCD was calculated from the newborn screening results. Table 2 summarizes the main results of the hemoglobinopathy NBS programs performed in the French territories [6], Jamaica [5], Grenada [13], Tobago [9], and Saint Lucia [10]. The current coverage of the NBS programs is as follows: Guadeloupe (>98%), Martinique (>99%), Jamaica (>98%), and Tobago (96%).…”

“…Pilot screening projects in Grenada [13], St Vincent and the Grenadines [17], and Haiti [18], funded by CAREST, the Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston, SC, USA), and University Hospitals Medical Center (Cleveland, OH, USA), respectively, were not sustained once project funding ended. Local policy makers were not able to identify funding and human resources for continued screening.…”