Updating the Brazilian clinical practice guidelines for sickle cell disease: Recommendations and development process

Abstract

Background

Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder that significantly impacts morbidity and mortality, requiring comprehensive care. In Brazil, its management in the National Health Service follows the Brazilian Clinical Practice Guidelines, based on evidence and expert consensus. Periodic updates ensure alignment with new scientific findings.

Objectives

This study describes the methodology for updating the clinical guidelines for sickle cell disease and provides an overview of recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring, emphasizing the evidence and health technology assessments for prioritized technologies.

Methods

The update followed the technical guide of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, and the Gradings of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. All the recommendations were assessed by the National Committee for Health Technology Incorporation (Conitec). The clinical guidelines panel included health technology assessment researchers, clinical experts, and policymakers. Systematic reviews assessed new evidence with stakeholder contributions being incorporated through public consultation. Cost-effectiveness analysis was applied to support new technology coverage or changes.

Results

The updated clinical guidelines provide structured recommendations for screening, diagnosis, prophylaxis, vaccination, and treatment, covering pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. It emphasizes patient and caregiver education to promote early recognition of complications. Expected benefits include fewer pain crises, fewer hospitalizations and transfusions, and improved fetal hemoglobin level, quality of life and survival rates. Key updates include listing epoetin alfa and 100 mg hydroxyurea tablets, expanding hydroxyurea eligibility criteria and revising monitoring protocols.

Conclusion

The updated clinical practice guidelines standardize sickle cell disease care in the Brazilian NHS aligned with current evidence. Dissemination and integration aim to enhance healthcare delivery, while future assessments should optimize real-world implementation.