Outcomes and Complications of Sickle Cell Disease among Hospitalized Paediatric Patients; A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Hospital, Tanzania

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin S, leading to various complications. This study aimed to assess the spectrum of SCD-related complications and outcomes among pediatric patients at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital in Tanzania.

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, reviewing medical records of pediatric SCD patients admitted between June 2019 and June 2023.

The study found an inpatient prevalence of 7.7% for SCD. Vaso-occlusive pain events (68%), infections (55.3%), and severe anaemia (27.7%) were the leading causes of admission. Low rates of hydroxyurea (11.4%) and penicillin V (28.3%) use was observed. The median haemoglobin level was 6.5 g/dL, indicating significant anaemia. Newly diagnosed patients (50%) had an average age of 5.12 years at diagnosis, suggesting delayed identification. The mortality rate was 3%.

These findings highlight the need of improved early diagnosis, management strategies, and access to essential medications for pediatric SCD patients in Tanzania. Implementation of newborn screening programs and increased awareness about SCD management could significantly improve patient outcomes. Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. Funding Statement This study was funded by Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: The study received ethical approval from the Mbeya Medical Research and Ethics Committee and permission I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes Data Availability All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors