Volume : 12, Issue : 11, November – 2025
Title:
NEUROLOGICAL PRESENTATION IN CHILDREN WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE OF ARAB INDIAN HAPLOTYPE
Authors :
Zahra Hussein , Mohammed Aldarwish , Hana’a Aljulaih 2, Murtada Alsultan , Salah Almubarak
Abstract :
Background: Neurological complications are among the most disabling outcomes in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Although SCD is highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia, data on neurological involvement among children with the Arab-Indian haplotype remain limited. This study aimed to describe the spectrum of neurological manifestations and identify modifiable risk factors associated with clinical outcomes.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 944 children (<14 years) with SCD was conducted between 2015 and 2022 at Qatif Central Hospital and Prince Mohammed bin Fahad Hospital. Only patients with neurological symptoms or abnormal neuroimaging were included (n=40). Clinical features, laboratory results, imaging findings, and outcomes were analyzed.
Results: Headache (55%), stroke (25%), and convulsions (12.5%) were the most common neurological manifestations. MRI abnormalities included ischemic stroke (12.5%) and moyamoya disease (7.5%). Exchange transfusion significantly improved outcomes in high-risk stroke patients (P=0.026). In contrast, patients with moyamoya disease showed no significant improvement with treatment (P=0.054). Higher Hemoglobin-F levels were associated with favorable outcomes (P<0.05). Patients with early-onset symptoms had poorer prognosis.
Conclusion: Neurological complications remain a major concern in children with SCD even with early diagnosis and hydroxyurea therapy. Early neuroimaging, prompt identification of high-risk patients, and timely initiation of exchange transfusion can significantly improve outcomes. Systematic monitoring for cognitive and cerebrovascular changes is essential to prevent long-term disability.
Keywords: sickle cell disease, neurology, pediatric, stroke, Arab-Indian haplotype
Cite This Article:
Please cite this article in press Zahra Hussein et al., Neurological Presentation In Children With Sickle Cell Disease Of Arab Indian Haplotype, Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2025; 12(11).
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