Factors the onset of SS anemia and future prospects in the management of sickle cell patients’ management of sickle-cell anemia patients

Introduction: Sickle cell anemia is a frequent and serious genetic disease affecting immigrant populations of African and West Indian origin. It is caused by an abnormality in hemoglobin, the protein inside red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body, resulting in the deformation of red blood cells, which lose their rounded shape and become banana-shaped.

The objectives of this study are to Identify the various factors favoring sickle cell crisis; Propose the necessary means to prevent sickle cell crisis; Raise awareness of the methods and techniques for preventing sickle cell crisis.

Methodology: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study involving 18 parents of sickle-cell children followed up at the ''Gracia fondation'' center in the city of Kisangani from 15/10 to 15/11 2024. Data were collected using an interview technique based on a pre-established questionnaire.   

Results: After analysis, we arrived at the following results: 1. Infections (malaria, arthritis, etc.), climate change and dust are factors favoring sickle cell crises according to 77.7%, 61.1% and 55.5% of the respective subjects; 2. Early treatment of infections, chemoprophylaxis with folic acid and ensuring a good protein diet were cited as preventive measures for sickle cell crises according to 72. 2%, 66.6% and 50% of the respective subjects; 3. Avoiding the marriage of AS/AS couples through premarital examinations (72.2%), requesting the avoidance of maternity in the event of the inadvertent marriage of AS/AS couples (55.5%) and effecting the divorce of AS/AS, SS/SS couples (27.8%) are the methods used to prevent the transmission of sickle cell disease.