Profile of Sickle Cell Disease Complications in Paediatric Patients at University of Jos Teaching Hospital, North Central Nigeria

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is among the most prevalent inherited haemoglobinopathies in Nigeria, with significant paediatric morbidity. This retrospective descriptive study profiles the acute and chronic complications of sickle cell disease in paediatric patients managed at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, over a three-year period from 2021 to 2023. Case records of 198 children aged six months to 15 years with confirmed SCD (HbSS or HbSC) were reviewed. Complications documented included vaso-occlusive crises, acute chest syndrome, stroke, splenic sequestration, aplastic crisis, and chronic organ damage. Vaso-occlusive pain crisis was the most frequent acute complication (72.7%), followed by severe anaemia requiring transfusion (46.5%) and acute chest syndrome (21.2%). Stroke was recorded in 8.1% of patients. Dactylitis was the most common presentation in children under two years. Hydroxyurea was prescribed in 38.4% of eligible patients. Mortality during the study period was 6.1%, with acute chest syndrome and severe anaemia as the leading causes. Malaria co-infection was documented in 63.1% of hospital admissions, underscoring the importance of malaria prevention in SCD management. The findings call for expanded newborn screening, early hydroxyurea initiation, and structured SCD comprehensive care clinics. Keywords: sickle cell disease, complications, paediatric, University of Jos, North Central Nigeria.