Newborn Screening for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in Awka South East Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell Diseases (SCD) is a genetic disorder. It is the most common genetic disorder affecting black race worldwide. It carries a high mortality and morbidity when not promptly and properly managed. Early detection is key to improving the quality of life of people living with sickle cell disease especially in childhood. It has resulted in reduction in mortality rate of SCD to <1% in developed countries through new-born screening but this reduction is yet to be achieved in developing countries. Objective: To share the experience of new-born screening of SCD at COOUTH Awka. To determine the prevalence of Sickle cell disease among neonates in Anambra State. Methodology: A retrospective study of screening for SCD in new-borns carried out at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) Awka from 1st September 2013 to 27th October 2017. This was done using isoelectric focusing machine. Results: A total of 4961 children were screened, 2410 were males, while 2551 were females. 75% (3733) of the neonates had their hemoglobin genotypes as AA, while 0.3% (16) were Hb SS genotype. Prevalence of Hb SS genotype amongst newborns was 0.32%. Conclusion: This study found the prevalence of sickle cell disease in newborns to be 0.32%. Newborn screening using Isoelectric focusing machine is very valuable for early diagnosis and prompt management of SCD. There is therefore need for increased awareness of this in Anambra State.