TITLE:
Sickle Cell Disease in the Zinder Region in 2023: Prevalence and Sociodemographic Factors
AUTHORS:
Brah Moustapha Maman, Amadou Djibrilla-Almoustapha, Moustapha Elhadji-Chefou, Illa Hamidine, Moussa Diongolé Hassane, Badé Malam-Abdou
KEYWORDS:
Sickle Cell Anemia, Blood Donors, Sickle Scan
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Blood Diseases,
Vol.14 No.1,
February
1,
2024
ABSTRACT: Introduction: In view of the number of sickle cell patients and due to a low production
of descriptive studies, we decided to determine the prevalence of genes S and C
of the disease in the Zinder region. The objective was to contribute to
improving the management of sickle cell disease in Zinder. Methodology: This
was a systematic screening by the “Sickle Scan” test of any blood donor
admitted to the Zinder Regional Blood Transfusion Center during the 6-month
study period, from January to June 2023. The Sickle Scan is a qualitative
lateral flow chromatography immunoassay using whole blood samples that aid in
the rapid diagnosis of sickle cell disease. Results: The study was
carried out on 613 samples during the period concerned. The frequency of sickle
cell genes was 26.9% (n = 165) in all samples collected, with 23.1% (n = 142)
and 3.8% (n = 23) for the S gene and the C gene, respectively. The 18 - 30 age group was the most represented with 64.4% (n
= 395) cases. The median age of blood donors was 26 years ± 10 years (min = 18
years/max = 60 years). The sex ratio was 2.5. Donors of Nigerien nationality
accounted for 84.1% (n = 516). There is a predominance of blood donors with an
average monthly income between 34,000 and 70,000 CFA
francs in 44.3% (n = 272), lived in permanent housing with drinking water
supply. Sickle cell trait (SMA) was found in 22.5% (n = 138). Conclusion: The analysis of these results highlights a high frequency of the S gene for
sickle cell disease. The population with an average monthly income is the most
affected, with a male predominance.