SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA: A MODIFIABLE RISK FACTOR OF STROKE AMONG YOUNG BLACK ADULTS: A REVIEW OF THE CURRENT LITERATURE

Abstract

Incidence of stroke among young adults between the age brackets of 20 to 54 years of age has increased significantly; suggesting that stroke in the young is on the rise. In a community based retrospective study, the proportion of all strokes that occurred in young adults increased from 13% to 19% over one decade. Additionally, the incidence rate of stroke among blacks increased from 83 per 100,000 to 128 per 100,000, as compared to whites in whom, the incidence rate increased from 26 to 48 per 100,000. Therefore, aggressive risk factor control particularly among blacks is extraordinarily important. Furthermore, almost all the conventional stroke risk factors for incident stroke, proved to also be a risk factor for recurrent stroke, suggesting that equal vigilance for risk-factor prevention and control is appropriate for primary and secondary stroke prevention. This review tends to shed some light on the role of sickle cell anaemia in the pathophysiologic mechanism of stroke hoping that, the review would not only create more awareness on stroke management but would inform policy-makers on the urgency and mechanism required for cheap and affordable treatment of acute stroke among sickle cell anaemia patient, particularly in resource limited countries like Nigeria. It would also be a useful resource material for regional, national and international bodies that are involved in the management of patients with stroke.