The effect of sickle cell anemia on the linear growth of Nigerian children

Abstract

Objectives Despite the high prevalence of children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in West Africa, there is paucity of data on the height velocity and prevalence of growth failure in SCA patients. With advances in clinical care of SCA patients, could there be a spatial and secular trend in the growth pattern of these children? Hence, the compelling needs to embark on this study. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of growth failure among patients with SCA and its correlation with age, gender and age at diagnosis. Methods A Prospective longitudinal study of a cohort of sickle cell anaemic paediatric patients from Pediatrics SCA Clinic, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla. Patients were enrolled over a period of two years using a non-parametric convenient sampling method. Their heights were measured at baseline, three months, six months and at 12 months intervals and subsequently plotted on a standard WHO growth chart. The height velocities at different monthly intervals were calculated and compared with the WHO standard normal linear growth rates) for children (used as control) to identify those with GF. (i.e. <10th percentile). The main outcome measures were the mean height velocities at different months' intervals calculated and compared using the repeated measurement analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Wilcoxon signed test. Results A cohort of 316 children aged 1–18 years with SCA was evaluated with a male preponderance of 161 (57.4%). The mean age and age at diagnosis were 11.04 ± 5.56 and 4.2 ± 1.7 years, respectively. The prevalence of growth failure and short stature was 84.7%. The burden of GF was highest among post-pubertal participants (94.1%). The most important predictor of growth velocity deficit was age (R2=0.045, standard β coefficient = −0.22, t=−03.51, p=0.001). Conclusions The study demonstrated high prevalence of growth failure in children and adolescents with SCA which intensified with advancement in age and older age at diagnosis.

Late endocrine effects after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with nonmalignant diseases

“…The high incidence of growth failure, frequently already present preSCT, suggests underlying conditions themselves rather than HSCT may play a large role in growth impairment. Many diagnoses are associated with SS including TM, SCD, Fanconi anemia and several IEI/IEM syndromes [54][55][56][57]. Our study did not show that SS or difference between adult height and MPH was associated with factors as age at HSCT, gender, pubertal stage, diagnosis, GvHD and donor type.…”

Association of Iron-Deficiency Anemia and Non-Iron-Deficiency Anemia with Neurobehavioral Development in Children Aged 6–24 Months

“…Anemia has comprehensive adverse effects on the growth and development of children [4][5][6]. Previous studies proved that children with anemia lag behind in physical growth and development to varying degrees [7][8][9]. However, studies related to the effects of anemia on neurobehavioral development were mainly focused on irondeficiency anemia, and there were no consistent conclusions.…”

Malnutrition in sickle cell anemia: Prevalence, impact, and interventions: A Review

“…Nutritional support and monitoring are essential to ensure normal growth and development. [ 33 ] Nutrient deficiencies can weaken the immune system, increasing the susceptibility to infections. Malnutrition can exacerbate the severity of SCA complications, such as pain crises, acute chest syndrome, and stroke.…”