Update on the practice of premarital screening for sickle cell traits in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Screening for sickle cell traits before marriage or producing children is one of the outstanding preventive measures for sickle cell disease (SCD).The disease is a collection of inherited blood disorders that impact millions globally, with a predominant 75% occurrence in the sub-Saharan region. With increasing burden of SCD on the continent amidst a cost effective prevention method, no study has systematically reviewed or presented meta-analytic uptake or practice of premarital sickle cell trait screening. Methods This review systematically explored the uptake or practice of premarital genotype screening in Africa. We searched PubMed and Scopus databases for African studies on premarital screening for sickle cell traits. Results Our results indicate that the pooled uptake of premarital sickle cell trait screening in Africa is 47.82% (95% CI: [46.53–49.11]; I2: 98.95% [98.74–99.13]). Our review observed, a significant relationship between the awareness of sickle cell disease and the uptake of genotype screening; F(1, 13) = 12.04, p = 0.004). The model explained approximately 48.08% of the variation in genotype screening (R² = 0.4808) and predicted a 0.729 increase in the likelihood of genotype screening uptake for every unit rise in sickle cell disease awareness (β = 0.729, p = 0.004). Additionally, Pearson correlation (r = 0.6934) indicated a moderately strong positive correlation between the two variables. Conclusion With over 75% of the global burden of sickle cell disease domiciled in Africa, the continent cannot overlook the cost of hemoglobinopathies. The uptake of sickle cell traits screening is suboptimal across the continent. To achieve the mandate of sustainable development goal number (3); to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age by 2030, there is need to intensify campaigns on premarital genetic screening through education and other health promotion tools.

Telomere Dynamics in Sickle Cell Anemia: Unraveling Molecular Aging and Disease Progression

“…While much attention has been devoted to the genetic aspects of SCA, the impact of telomere dynamics on disease progression remains a less-explored aspect. 27–29 Emerging evidence suggests that individuals with SCA may experience accelerated telomere shortening compared to healthy counterparts. 30 Factors contributing to this phenomenon include chronic hemolysis, increased oxidative stress, and the heightened inflammatory state characteristic of SCA.…”