Covid-19 in patients with sickle cell disease

Abstract

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) were categorized as a high-risk group, as they might develop a series of life-threatening complications owing to systemic vasculopathy and their modulated immune system. In this review, 20 articles published between December 2019 and January 2021 were included, which reported cases of patients with SCD diagnosed with COVID-19. Patients and methods A total of 343 patients with SCD worldwide were included (mean age is 25 years). Overall, 56% of the study population was female. A total of 322 patients had symptoms; 193 patients presented with vaso-occlusive crises and COVID-19 symptoms. Moreover, 15% reported only vaso-occlusive crises symptoms without COVID-19 symptoms. Typical acute chest syndrome symptoms were reported in 27 patients. Results Overall, 79% of the population was admitted to hospitals. Blood transfusion was received by 51%, and 23% needed oxygen. Mortality was reported in 18 (5%) patients. The outcome of COVID-19 in patients with SCD did not significantly differ from the general population and seems better compared with the other vulnerable groups. Conclusion Proinflammatory status in patients with SCD and frequent use of some medications, such as hydroxyurea, can explain this outcome and could be the reason for reduced COVID-19 complications in patients with SCD. Further molecular studies are needed to understand how SARS-CoV-2 could affect patients with SCD.