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Boma PM, Ngimbi SL, Kindundu JM, Wela JI, Ngoie NL, Ngwamah VM, Tshiswaka SM, Monga JK, Panda JM, Bonnechère B. Unveiling mortality risk factors in paediatric sickle cell disease patients during acute crises in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2024; 105:102828. [PMID: 38266515 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2024.102828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a significant health burden in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This study aims to identify predictive factors of mortality in SCD children admitted to emergency care in Lubumbashi, DRC. We performed a non-interventional cohort follow-up on SCD patients aged 0 to 16 admitted for a "true emergency". Demographic, clinical, and biological data were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant risk factors associated with mortality. Among the 121 patients included, 24 died during the follow-up period. Univariate regression revealed age, Mikobi score, referral origin, stroke, and severe infection as significant risk factors. Multivariate analyses identified Hb, WBC, SR, and LDH as predictive factors of mortality. Notably, patients aged 12 to 16 years faced a higher risk, shifting the age of mortality from early to late childhood and adolescence. This study provides valuable insights into mortality risk factors for paediatric SCD patients during acute crises. Early diagnosis, regular follow-up, and therapeutic education are essential to improve patient outcomes and survival rates. These findings contribute to better disease management and targeted interventions, aiming to reduce mortality associated with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Muteb Boma
- Reference Centre for Sickle Cell Disease of Lubumbashi, Research Institute in Health Sciences, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Junior Makiese Kindundu
- Reference Centre for Sickle Cell Disease of Lubumbashi, Research Institute in Health Sciences, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jean Israël Wela
- National Institute of Statistics, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Nathalie Lukanke Ngoie
- Provincial General Reference Hospital Jason Sendwe, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Valentin Mukeba Ngwamah
- Reference Centre for Sickle Cell Disease of Lubumbashi, Research Institute in Health Sciences, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Sandra Mbuyi Tshiswaka
- Provincial General Reference Hospital Jason Sendwe, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Joséphine Kalenga Monga
- Provincial General Reference Hospital Jason Sendwe, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jules Mulefu Panda
- Reference Centre for Sickle Cell Disease of Lubumbashi, Research Institute in Health Sciences, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Bruno Bonnechère
- REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Data Science Institute, University of Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
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Kabuyi PL, Mbayabo G, Ngole M, Zola AL, Race V, Matthijs G, Van Geet C, Tshilobo PL, Devriendt K, Mikobi TM. Hydroxyurea treatment for adult sickle cell anemia patients in Kinshasa. EJHAEM 2023; 4:595-601. [PMID: 37601858 PMCID: PMC10435708 DOI: 10.1002/jha2.735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Background: Despite a high incidence of sickle cell anemia, hydroxyurea (HU) treatment is rarely used in the DR Congo. This study aims to assess the efficacy of HU, the incidence of side effects that may limit its use in adults and to determine the dose needed for clinical improvement in patients. Methods: In a prospective study, patients received an initial dose of 15 mg/kg/day which was increased by 5 mg/kg every 6 months, up to a maximum of 30 mg/kg/day. The response and side effects to HU were evaluated biologically and clinically every 3 months during a 2-year period. Results: Seventy adult patients with a moderate or severe clinical phenotype initiated treatment. Only minor side effects were reported. At the end of the 2-year treatment phase, 45 (64.3%) had dropped out, of whom 33 were without a clear reason. Clinical and biological improvement was more marked during the first year. There was a reduction in severe vaso-occlusive crises (p < 0.001), need for transfusion (p < 0.001), and hospitalization days (p = 0.038). Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels increased on average 2.9 times after 12 months (p < 0.001). The increase in mean corpuscular volume was greater in the first year (p < 0.001) than in the second year (p = 0.041). The decrease in leukocytes (p < 0.001) was significant during the first year. In 70% of patients, the 20 mg/kg/day dose was needed to reach the 20% HbF threshold. Conclusion: HU is effective and well tolerated. The magnitude of the response varies from one patient to another. Improvement of clinical manifestations is achieved in most patients with a relatively low dose. Effective implementation of HU treatment will require improved adherence to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Lumbala Kabuyi
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of KinshasaKinshasaDemocratic Republic of the Congo
- Center of Human GeneticsFaculty of MedicineUniversity of KinshasaKinshasaDemocratic Republic of the Congo
- Center for Human GeneticsKatholieke Universiteit Leuven and University Hospitals LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Gloire Mbayabo
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of KinshasaKinshasaDemocratic Republic of the Congo
- Center of Human GeneticsFaculty of MedicineUniversity of KinshasaKinshasaDemocratic Republic of the Congo
- Center for Human GeneticsKatholieke Universiteit Leuven and University Hospitals LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Mamy Ngole
- Center of Human GeneticsFaculty of MedicineUniversity of KinshasaKinshasaDemocratic Republic of the Congo
- Center for Human GeneticsKatholieke Universiteit Leuven and University Hospitals LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Department of Clinical BiologyUniversity of KinshasaKinshasaDemocratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Aimé Lumaka Zola
- Center of Human GeneticsFaculty of MedicineUniversity of KinshasaKinshasaDemocratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Valerie Race
- Center for Human GeneticsKatholieke Universiteit Leuven and University Hospitals LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Gert Matthijs
- Center for Human GeneticsKatholieke Universiteit Leuven and University Hospitals LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Chris Van Geet
- Department of Cardiovascular SciencesCenter for Molecular and Vascular BiologyKatholieke Universiteit LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Prosper Lukusa Tshilobo
- Center of Human GeneticsFaculty of MedicineUniversity of KinshasaKinshasaDemocratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Koenraad Devriendt
- Center for Human GeneticsKatholieke Universiteit Leuven and University Hospitals LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Tite Minga Mikobi
- Center of Human GeneticsFaculty of MedicineUniversity of KinshasaKinshasaDemocratic Republic of the Congo
- Departement des sciences de base, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of KinshasaKinshasaDemocratic Republic of the Congo
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Boma PM, Panda J, Ngoy Mande JP, Bonnechère B. Rehabilitation: a key service, yet highly underused, in the management of young patients with sickle cell disease after stroke in DR of Congo. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1104101. [PMID: 37292134 PMCID: PMC10244556 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1104101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Muteb Boma
- Reference Centre for Sickle Cell Disease of Lubumbashi, Institut de Recherche en Science de la Santé, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Jules Panda
- Reference Centre for Sickle Cell Disease of Lubumbashi, Institut de Recherche en Science de la Santé, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Jean Paul Ngoy Mande
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Bruno Bonnechère
- REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
- Technology-Supported and Data-Driven Rehabilitation, Data Science Institute, University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
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Dutra VDF, Biassi TP, Figueiredo MS. Sickle cell anemia: hierarchical cluster analysis and clinical profile in a cohort in Brazil. Hematol Transfus Cell Ther 2023; 45:45-51. [PMID: 34930711 PMCID: PMC9938484 DOI: 10.1016/j.htct.2021.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sickle cell anemia is a monogenic disorder caused by a mutation in the β-hemoglobin gene, resulting in sickle hemoglobin that can polymerize. Presentation and clinical course have significant inter-individual variability and classifying these patients for severity is a challenge. METHODS We applied hierarchical clusters with 10 routine laboratory tests to understand if this grouping could be associated with clinical manifestations. We included 145 adult homozygous patients (SS) at an outpatient clinic in a retrospective study. RESULTS We found five clusters by counting those that had been differentiated by unconjugated bilirubin, reticulocytes, LDH, leukocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes. When comparing groups to clinical findings, the clusters were different only for liver abnormality. Cluster 3 had the lower median of reticulocytes, LDH, leukocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes and a higher percentage of patients under treatment. Clusters 4 and 5 had higher frequencies of liver impairment and higher medians of reticulocytes, LDH, leukocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes. Hemolysis and inflammation seemed to influence the grouping. CONCLUSION In our study, cluster analysis showed five groups that exhibited different degrees of inflammation and hemolysis. When comparing clinical data, the result was different only for the criteria of liver abnormality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valéria de Freitas Dutra
- Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Lumbala PK, Mbayabo G, Ngole MN, Lumaka A, Race V, Matthijs G, Van Geet C, Lukusa PT, Devriendt K, Mikobi TM. Clinical and laboratory characterization of adult sickle cell anemia patients in Kinshasa. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278478. [PMID: 36525434 PMCID: PMC9757547 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a monogenic hemoglobinopathy associated with severe acute and chronic complications, with the highest incidence worldwide in Sub-Saharan Africa. The wide variability in clinical manifestations suggest that a uniform response to hydroxurea may not be attained. In view of a potential treatment with hydroxyurea (HU), we assessed the variability of clinical and hematological manifestations in a cohort of adults with SCA in Kinshasa, capital of the DR Congo in Central Africa. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in a hospital dedicated to SCA management in Kinshasa. Clinical history of patients was recorded, a complete physical examination performed. The diagnosis was confirmed by means of DNA analysis. A full blood count and hemolysis markers were measured. The severity of the disease was evaluated by means of a previously reported score. RESULTS The study group consisted of 166 genetically confirmed SCA patients. The SCA severity was mild in 28.9%, moderate in 64.5% and severe in 6.6%. The disease severity score increased with patient's age (p ≤ 0.001). The severity was higher in males compared to females (p = 0.012). In males, the severity score was correlated with the presence of priapism (p = 0.045), a manifestation not previously incorporated in the severity score. The severity score was inversely correlated with the fetal hemoglobin (HbF) rate (p = 0.005). Malnutrition (BMI <18.5 kg/m2) was present in 47% of patients and was related to the male sex, hip disease (aOR 3.11; p = 0.019) and severe phenotype (aOR 3.53; p = 0.012). Leg ulcers were more frequent in males than in females (p = 0.001; OR 24.3) and were correlated with the number of days of hospitalization (p = 0.029). Hip disease was related to the increasing age (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION In this selected, hospital-based populations of adults with SCA, severe disease was rare, which may be due to survival bias. However, two thirds had moderate severity of the disease, mostly with a low HbF, and they may benefit from HU treatment. In the Central-African setting the separation between vaso-occlusive and hyperhemolytic sub-phenotypes was not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gloire Mbayabo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, DRC
| | - Mamy Nzita Ngole
- Department of Clinical Biology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, DRC
| | - Aimé Lumaka
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Human Genetics, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, DRC
| | - Valerie Race
- Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gert Matthijs
- Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chris Van Geet
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Koenraad Devriendt
- Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- * E-mail: (KD); (TMM)
| | - Tite Minga Mikobi
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Human Genetics, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, DRC
- Faculty of Medicine, Molecular Biology and Human Genetics Department of fundamental sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, DRC
- * E-mail: (KD); (TMM)
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Mbayabo G, Lumbala Kabuyi P, Ngole M, Lumaka A, Race V, Maisin D, Gruson D, Matthijs G, Minga TM, Devriendt K, Van Geet C, Tshilobo PL. Value of DNA testing in the diagnosis of sickle-cell anemia in childhood in an environment with a high prevalence of other causes of anemia. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24593. [PMID: 35819088 PMCID: PMC9396195 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sickle‐cell anemia (SCA) is the most common genetic disease worldwide caused by a single mutation in the gene HBB. DNA testing can help to clarify the diagnosis when Hb electrophoresis is inconclusive. We evaluated the usefulness and feasibility of DNA‐based diagnosis of SCA in rural Central Africa. Methods This is a cross‐sectional study conducted from November 2016 to end October 2017 in the Hôpital Saint Luc de Kisantu, located 120 km from Kinshasa. This hospital offers the management of SCA patients, mainly identified using the Sickling test (Emmel test) combined with clinical features. We included patients aged 6 months to 18 years locally diagnosed as SCA, and we collected clinical and hematological data. All patients were offered Hb electrophoresis and DNA testing at the Center for Human Genetics of the University of Kinshasa. Results This study included 160 patients. Hemoglobin capillary electrophoresis suggested that 136 (85%) were homozygote SS, 13 (8.1%) were heterozygote (AS), and 11 (6.9%) were homozygote normal (AA). DNA testing confirmed these electrophoresis findings, with the exception of four patients, two AS in electrophoresis were found SS due to recent transfusion, and two SS in electrophoresis were found AS because they have compound heterozygous form S/β°‐thalassemia. The diagnosis of SCA was therefore wrongly ascertained with Emmel test in 15% of patients. Conclusion This study reveals a high proportion of false‐positive SCA diagnoses in a rural environment in Central Africa. This underlines the importance of DNA testing in conjunction with Hb electrophoresis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloire Mbayabo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.,Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Center of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Paul Lumbala Kabuyi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.,Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Center of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Mamy Ngole
- Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Center of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.,Department of Clinical Biology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Aimé Lumaka
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.,Center of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.,Human Genetic Laboratory, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Valerie Race
- Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diane Maisin
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Damien Gruson
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Gert Matthijs
- Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tite Mikobi Minga
- Center of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.,Département des sciences de base, Laboratory of biochemistry and molecular biology; Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Koenraad Devriendt
- Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chris Van Geet
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and Pediatrics (Hemato-oncology), KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Prosper Lukusa Tshilobo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.,Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Center of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
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Ngole M, Race V, Mbayabo G, Lumbala P, Songo C, Lukusa PT, Devriendt K, Matthijs G, Lumaka A. DNA testing for sickle cell anemia in Africa: Implementation choices for the Democratic Republic of Congo. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24398. [PMID: 35405024 PMCID: PMC9102645 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemoglobin-based tests form the reference diagnostic test for SCA. In limited resource countries, these tests face limitations including cost, low sensitivity due to recurrent transfusions in endemic malaria region, and interference from fetal hemoglobin in neonatal diagnostic. This study aimed at adapting DNA-based SCA tests to limited resource countries and evaluating the economic benefit. METHODS 338 participants were recruited in the Democratic Republic of Congo, sorted in 3 cohorts based on venous blood, umbilical cord blood (UCB) and buccal swab sampling. RFLP was performed to identify mutated allele. The feasibility and technical validity of this RFLP was evaluated for specimens collected on DBS cards and on EDTA tubes. RFLP on DBS stored at room temperature was regularly repeated to assess sample conservation. Finally, the cost analysis was performed. RESULTS DBS cards yielded identical results to extracted DNA. Repeated testing returned the same result after four years. The DBS-based test performed on UCB or on buccal swab had a sensitivity and a precision of 100%. Cost comparison indicated that our approach costs half price of the widely used isoelectrofocussing of hemoglobin. CONCLUSION The implemented DNA-based test approach overcomes the limitations faced by hemoglobin-based tests, while being more affordable. We propose to implement the RFLP test as a first line diagnostic test after transfusion and as second tiers for newborn screening. However, users should be aware that this test is unable to differentiate HbC from HbS or identify other point mutation of gene deletion of HBB gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamy Ngole
- Center for Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Valerie Race
- Center for Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gloire Mbayabo
- Center for Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Paul Lumbala
- Center for Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Cathy Songo
- Center for Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Prosper Tshilobo Lukusa
- Center for Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Koenraad Devriendt
- Center for Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gert Matthijs
- Center for Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aimé Lumaka
- Center for Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.,GIGA-R, Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Nartey EB, Spector J, Adu-Afarwuah S, Jones CL, Jackson A, Ohemeng A, Shah R, Koryo-Dabrah A, Kuma ABA, Hyacinth HI, Steiner-Asiedu M. Nutritional perspectives on sickle cell disease in Africa: a systematic review. BMC Nutr 2021; 7:9. [PMID: 33731225 PMCID: PMC7972183 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-021-00410-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that predominantly affects individuals in sub-Saharan Africa. However, research that elucidates links between SCD pathophysiology and nutritional status in African patients is lacking. This systematic review aimed to assess the landscape of studies in sub-Saharan Africa that focused on nutritional aspects of SCD, and highlights gaps in knowledge that could inform priority-setting for future research. METHODS The study was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Inclusion criteria comprised original, peer-reviewed research published between January 1995 and November 2020 involving individuals in Africa with any phenotypic variant of SCD and at least one nutritional status outcome. Nutritional status outcomes were defined as those that assessed dietary intakes, growth/anthropometry, or nutritional biomarkers. Databases used were Ovid Embase, Medline, Biosis and Web of Science. RESULTS The search returned 526 articles, of which 76 were included in the final analyses. Most investigations (67%) were conducted in Nigeria. Studies were categorized into one of three main categories: descriptive studies of anthropometric characteristics (49%), descriptive studies of macro- or micronutrient status (41%), and interventional studies (11%). Findings consistently included growth impairment, especially among children and adolescents from sub-Saharan Africa. Studies assessing macro- and micronutrients generally had small sample sizes and were exploratory in nature. Only four randomized trials were identified, which measured the impact of lime juice, long-chain fatty acids supplementation, ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF), and oral arginine on health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The findings reveal a moderate number of descriptive studies, most with small sample sizes, that focused on various aspects of nutrition and SCD in African patients. There was a stark dearth of interventional studies that could be used to inform evidence-based changes in clinical practice. Findings from the investigations were generally consistent with data from other regional settings, describing a significant risk of growth faltering and malnutrition among individuals with SCD. There is an unmet need for clinical research to better understand the potential benefits of nutrition-related interventions for patients with SCD in sub-Saharan Africa to promote optimal growth and improve health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Berko Nartey
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana. .,Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, V/R, Ghana.
| | | | - Seth Adu-Afarwuah
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | | | - Alan Jackson
- Emeritus Professor of Human Nutrition, Southampton General Hospital (MP 113), Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Agartha Ohemeng
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Rajiv Shah
- Novartis Global Health and Corporate Responsibility, Forum 1, Fabrikstrasse, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alice Koryo-Dabrah
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, V/R, Ghana
| | - Amma Benneh-Akwasi Kuma
- Department of Hematology, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Ghana
| | - Hyacinth I Hyacinth
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University Department of Pediatrics, Atlanta, GA, USA.,The Atlanta Sickle Cell Disease Consortium, Atlanta, USA
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Mikobi TM, Lukusa PT, Muamba JMM, Rhama T. Homozygous Deletion Alpha-Thalassemia and Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Hemoglobin, Two Genetic Factors Predictive the Reduction of Morbidity and Mortality During Pregnancy in Sickle Cell Patients. A Report from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2019; 11:e2019039. [PMID: 31308915 PMCID: PMC6613621 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2019.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to determine the beneficial role of Fetal Hemoglobin (FHb) and alpha-thal on fetal and maternal morbidity during pregnancy in sickle cell patients. STUDY SITE the study was conducted at the sickle cell center of Kinshasa between 2008 and 2018. SETTING AND STUDY POPULATION this is a documentary and analytical study that included 980 deliveries of homozygous sickle cell patients. METHODS the diagnosis of SCD and the quantification of FHb were performed with the capillary electrophoresis technique. The molecular test confirmed the diagnosis of SCD. The diagnosis of alpha-thal was made with the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) technique. Sickle cell pregnancies were followed according to the protocol of care in force in the University of Kinshasa Hospital service. The variables of interest were: hematological variables, sickle cell crises during pregnancy, maternal and fetal complications. STATISTICS statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 20.0 software. Means and standard deviations were compared with the Student's t and ANOVA tests. The value of p <0.05 was considered the significance level. RESULTS the Hb-SS / alpha-thal and HbSS / HPFH genotypes were observed in 101 and 121 women, respectively. Otherwise, 758 women had HbSS genotype. The morbidity related to sickle cell complications in the mother and fetus were less frequent in the Hb-SS / alpha-thal and HbSS / HPFH groups than in HB-SS group. The differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSION this study showed a significant protective effect of alpha-thal and HPFH during pregnancy in sickle-cell pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tite Minga Mikobi
- Center for Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC
- Division of Gynecology Obstetrics, Center for Sickle Cell Anemia, Kinshasa, DRC
| | - Prosper Tshilobo Lukusa
- Center for Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC
- Division of Pediatrics, Hospital University, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, DRC
| | - Jean-Marie Mbuyi Muamba
- Division of Internal Medicine, Service of Immuno hemato Rheumatology, Hospital University, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, DRC
| | - Tozin Rhama
- Division of Gynecology Obstetrics, Hospital University, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, DRC
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Mikobi TM, Lukusa Tshilobo P, Aloni MN, Akilimali PZ, Mvumbi-Lelo G, Mbuyi-Muamba JM. Clinical phenotypes and the biological parameters of Congolese patients suffering from sickle cell anemia: A first report from Central Africa. J Clin Lab Anal 2017; 31. [PMID: 28116772 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.22140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The influence of phenotype on the clinical course and laboratory features of sickle cell anemia (SCA) is rarely described in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kinshasa. A clinical phenotype score was built up. The following definitions were applied: asymptomatic clinical phenotype (ACP; score≤5), moderate clinical phenotype (MCP; score between 6 and 15), and severe clinical phenotype (SCP; score≥16). ANOVA test were used to compare differences among categorical variables. RESULTS We have studied 140 patients. The mean body mass index (BMI) value of three groups was lower (<25 kg/m2 ) than the limit defining overweight. BMI of the subjects with ACP was significantly higher than those of other phenotypes (P<.05). Sickle cell patients with ACP have a high mean steady-state hemoglobin concentration compared to those with MCP and SCP (P<.001). A significant elevated baseline leukocyte count is associated with SCP (P<.001). Fetal Hemoglobin (HbF) was significantly higher in ACP. Significant elevation of alpha 1 and alpha 2 globulins in SCP were observed. CONCLUSION In our study, fetal hemoglobin has an influence on the clinical severity and the biological parameters of SCA. The study provides data concerning the sickle cell anemia clinical and biological variability in our midst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tite M Mikobi
- Department des Sciences de Bases, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Prosper Lukusa Tshilobo
- Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Kinshasa, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Michel N Aloni
- Division of Hemato-oncology and Nephrology, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Kinshasa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Pierre Z Akilimali
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Georges Mvumbi-Lelo
- Department des Sciences de Bases, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Jean Marie Mbuyi-Muamba
- Division of Hemato-Immuno-rhumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Kinshasa, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
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