Research Article

COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Management of Sickle Cell Disease in Children

Authors: Demely I, Gbedji K, Dieng YJ, Diop I, Kane A, Thiam L, Seck Nd, Ndongo AA, Boiro Dj, Basse I, Niang B, Ba ID, Thiongane A, Ba A, Faye PM, Fall AL, Mbodj /Diop YF, Achnin O, Diagne I, Ndiaye O.

DOI: 10.33425/2689-1085.1081

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Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic consequences are variously felt. In Senegal, containment measures had a negative impact on the monitoring of chronic diseases. Our aim was to assess this impact on the management of sickle cell disease.

Patients and methods: We conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, from January 2019 to December 2020, at the Ambulatory Care Unit for children and adolescents with sickle cell disease (USAD) in Albert Royer National Children Hospital (CHNEAR) in Dakar. Patients followed up and seen during the study period were included. Those over the age of 15 or whose records were not found were not included. The follow-up and emergency activities for 2019 were compared with those for 2020. The information was analyzed with Epi info 7. The Fisher test was used for the comparisons. A value of p <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: A total of 5558 patients were included, with 95.46% SS homozygous, and a mean age of 8.4 years ± 4.2. In 2020, a significant decrease in follow-up consultations was observed (12.2% p = 0.00), as well as a significant increase in emergency consultations (11.1% p = 0.00). Outpatient care was more frequent in 2020, with a significant decrease in hospitalizations (4.5% p = 0.000), compared to 2019.

Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decrease in follow-up consultations with an increase in emergencies, among patients followed at the USAD.

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