Epidemiology of sickle cell disease in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by production of abnormal hemoglobin S and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Information about the prevalence of SCD in Saudi Arabia is patchy and probably underestimated, but studies have reported that SCD is a relatively common genetic disorder in this part of the world. The prevalence of SCD in Saudi Arabia varies significantly in different parts of the country, with the highest prevalence is in the Eastern province, followed by the southwestern provinces. The reported prevalence for sickle-cell trait ranges from 2% to 27%, and up to 2.6% will have SCD in some areas. Clinical and hematological variability exists in SCD in Saudi Arabia with two major phenotypes: a mild phenotype and a severe phenotype. Further studies on the prevalence, molecular and clinical epidemiology of SCD may help predict disease severity and risk stratification of patients to determine whether to receive early intensive care or continued symptomatic care.

The Prevalence of Avascular Necrosis in Adults With Sickle Cell Disease in King Fahad Hospital.

“…The prevalence of SCD in Saudi Arabia has a significantly uneven geographical distribution, it is most common in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia [5]. SCD is a result of mutation in genes responsible for hemoglobin synthesis, leading to production of abnormal defective hemoglobin called (HbS).…”

The Construction of Sickle Cell Disorder in Saudi Arabia: The Invisible Disease

“…There is no reliable information on the impact of sickle cell and the mortality rate of people aged five years and younger (Jastaniah, 2011). What is known is that the majority of deaths among people with SCD in Saudi Arabia occur before 30 years of age (Al-Suliman et al, 2006).…”

“…What is known is that the majority of deaths among people with SCD in Saudi Arabia occur before 30 years of age (Al-Suliman et al, 2006). Nonetheless, of those who do survive to adulthood, many suffer ongoing organ malfunction (Jastaniah, 2011).…”

“…This practice and prevalence is common in the east and the southwest regions of Saudi Arabia (Alhamdan et al, 2007). Thus, SCD is classified as a significant health problem in Saudi Arabia (Jastaniah, 2011).…”

“…Furthermore, as Jastaniah (2011) argues, research is limited and clinical care is neglected in the realm of SCD in Saudi Arabia. Critical consideration therefore needs to be given to this disorder and its implications.…”