A recent study conducted by All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhopal has highlighted the need for early and advanced health screening in children suffering from Sickle Cell Disease after researchers identified hidden heart, kidney and sleep-related complications in a significant number of patients.
The study, carried out by the Department of Pediatrics’ Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension, has been published in the International Pediatric Nephrology journal.
The research was conducted by Dr Harshitha S. under the guidance of Dr Girish Chandra Bhatt. Researchers examined the impact of sickle cell disease on blood pressure, sleep, heart health and kidney function in children.
The findings are considered particularly significant for Madhya Pradesh, where sickle cell disease affects a large population, especially in tribal regions.
According to the study, several children exhibited serious health complications that could not be detected through routine medical examinations.
Doctors used 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), which revealed hidden blood pressure abnormalities in multiple patients, including elevated blood pressure during sleep.
The study also found a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea among children with sickle cell disease. Researchers said children suffering from sleep apnea faced a greater risk of damage to blood vessels and the heart.
In another key finding, nearly 71 per cent of the children showed signs of early cardiovascular or vascular injury, even when blood pressure readings appeared normal during regular hospital visits.
The research further highlighted early kidney-related complications. Proteinuria, considered an early indicator of kidney damage, was detected in several children.
More advanced kidney assessments using cystatin C identified reduced kidney function in a significant number of patients, while conventional tests failed to detect many of these cases.
Dr Girish Chandra Bhatt said the findings underscored the importance of comprehensive screening for children with sickle cell disease.
“These findings show that children with sickle cell disease require regular screening beyond routine blood tests. Early detection of hidden heart, kidney and sleep-related complications can help improve treatment and long-term outcomes,” he said.
Researchers said the study could help doctors develop improved screening and treatment strategies for children with sickle cell disease and reduce long-term complications associated with the disorder.
(IANS Inputs)
