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Abstract:
Respiratory related problems are among the known leading causes of death in patients with sickle cell disease. This study was conducted to identify prevalence of specific respiratory symptoms in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) in the university of Maiduguri teaching hospital (UMTH), Maiduguri, Nigeria. A retrospective sample of eighty children was studied. This comprised of boys and girls aged 2 to 12 years with presenting respiratory symptoms and physical signs who were admitted to the paediatric ward over a period of 3 years. The prevalence of specific respiratory symptoms between the males and females in the different age groups were analyzed. Clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of the chest were equally evaluated and analyzed. Oxygen therapy, antibiotics, analgesic such as simple paracetamol, narcotics, blood transfusion and mechanical ventilation were used as required. Participants [N = 80; 52(65%) males, 28(35%) females, with male: female ratio of 1.8:1.] The age ranged from 2 to 12years. The results revealed that the prevalence of specific respiratory symptoms is age dependent. The symptoms were more prevalent in the younger children than the older ones. Fever and cough seemed more pronounced in the age 2-8years, whereas chest pain, productive cough and shortness of breath were more prevalent amongst the 10-12 years category. Though, these symptoms were age dependent, their overall presence as symptoms and signs were all significant [p <0.01]. This study supported the importance of respiratory pathology as a cause of morbidity and mortality in children with sickle cell disease in our environment. Hence, high prevalence of respiratory symptoms among patients with sickle cell disease may trigger other associated acute complications of the disease, such as painful episodes that may ensue due to associated hypoxia. Early screening and recognition, ongoing monitoring, and proactive management of respiratory symptoms may minimize the degree of morbidity and other unexpected complications.
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