Objective: The current study sought to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the worsening of sickle cell disease (SCD) complications and find long-term impacts that influence prognosis.
Methods: A retrospective, questionnaire-based study included Saudi SCD patients with a history of COVID-19 infection. SCD patients without COVID-19 served as a control group. Clinical data were collected from hospital records and direct communication with patients.
Results: Of 46 patients, 32.6% were aged 26-35 years, and 45.7% were females. Among 35 patients (76%) with COVID-19, 29 had a single infection, and 4 had two infections. Vaccination data showed 16 infections occurred pre-vaccination, six post-first dose, and seven post-second dose. Post-infection, predominant symptoms included abdominal pain (23%), shortness of breath (20%), and chest pain (17%). Acute chest syndrome-related complications occurred in 63% of cases, with 9% reporting stroke. Hydroxyurea (29 patients) and blood transfusions (17 patients) were common treatments, while 17.4% used daily painkillers.
Conclusion: COVID-19 infection significantly increases the risk of acute chest syndrome and other complications in SCD patients. Long-term effects must be studied to improve timely and effective treatment strategies for this vulnerable population.
Key words: COVID-19, sickle cell disease, vaccination, exacerbation, Saudi Arabia
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