Sickle Cell Disease Crisis Triggers and Haematological Changes in Adolescents at a Haematology Clinic in Umuahia, Abia State, South East Nigeria

This study identifies common precipitants of vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) and characterises associated haematological changes in adolescents with sickle cell disease attending the haematology clinic at Michael Okpara University of Medicine Teaching Hospital, Umuahia, Abia State, South East Nigeria. Understanding crisis triggers and their haematological correlates is essential for improving patient education and reducing crisis-related morbidity in adolescents. A prospective cross-sectional study enrolled 100 SCD adolescents aged 12 to 19 years, collecting data on recent crisis episodes through structured interviews and comparing full blood count parameters during crisis and steady state in 60 participants who had experienced a crisis in the preceding four weeks. The most frequently reported crisis triggers were cold exposure (62%), physical exertion (54%), dehydration (49%), and febrile illness (44%). During VOC compared to steady state, haemoglobin declined significantly (mean 6.3 g/dL vs 7.5 g/dL), total white blood cell count increased (mean 14.2 vs 10.8 times ten to the ninth per litre), and reticulocyte count rose markedly. Platelet count declined during crisis, possibly reflecting platelet consumption in microthrombus formation. Male adolescents experienced more frequent crises than females. The findings support targeted education on avoidance of known triggers, early rehydration strategies, and trigger diary maintenance as core components of adolescent SCD management at the Umuahia clinic. Keywords: sickle cell disease, vaso-occlusive crisis, crisis triggers, adolescents, haematological changes.