A recent study conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal has highlighted the urgent need for advanced and early health screening in children suffering from sickle cell disease (SCD), after researchers identified hidden heart, kidney and sleep-related complications in a large number of patients.
The study was carried out by the Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension under the Department of Pediatrics and has been published in the journal International Pediatric Nephrology.
The research was conducted by Dr. Harshitha S. under the guidance of Dr. Girish Chandra Bhatt.
Researchers examined children diagnosed with sickle cell disease to assess the impact of the disorder on blood pressure, sleep patterns, heart health, and kidney function.
The findings are considered particularly significant for Madhya Pradesh, where sickle cell disease affects a substantial population, especially among tribal communities.
According to the study, many children exhibited serious health complications that could not be detected through routine medical examinations.
Doctors used 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), which revealed hidden abnormalities in blood pressure among several patients, including elevated blood pressure during sleep.
The study also found a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among children suffering from sickle cell disease.
Researchers stated that children with sleep apnea were at greater risk of damage to blood vessels and the heart.
In another major finding, nearly 71 percent of the children studied showed signs of early cardiovascular or vascular injury, even when their blood pressure appeared normal during regular hospital check-ups.
The research further highlighted early kidney-related complications in many patients.
Proteinuria, considered an early indicator of kidney damage, was detected in several children. More advanced kidney assessments using cystatin C testing identified reduced kidney function in a significant number of patients, while conventional diagnostic tests failed to detect many of these cases.
Dr. Girish Chandra Bhatt said the study demonstrates the importance of comprehensive monitoring and specialised care for children living with sickle cell disease.
“These findings show that children with sickle cell disease require regular screening beyond routine blood tests. Early detection of hidden heart, kidney and sleep-related complications can help improve treatment and long-term outcomes,” he said.
Researchers believe the findings could help doctors develop improved screening protocols and treatment strategies for children with sickle cell disease, reducing the risk of long-term complications associated with the disorder.
AIIMS Bhopal Study Calls for Early Screening in Children Suffering from Sickle Cell Disease
