Anemia最新文献

{"title":"Pica in Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Melanie Bruinooge, Marc J M Oubrie, Maarten F M Engel, Sabine E Herrman-Mous, Marjon H Cnossen","doi":"10.1155/anem/5589148","DOIUrl":"10.1155/anem/5589148","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pica, the persistent ingestion of non-nutritive, non-food substances for ≥ 1 month at a developmentally inappropriate age, is regularly observed but understudied in sickle cell disease (SCD). Its prevalence and risk factors are unclear. This systematic review aims to estimate pica prevalence and synthesize evidence on associated characteristics and correlates in SCD. We searched Embase, MEDLINE ALL, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, PsycINFO and Google Scholar up to 31 October 2025, for studies reporting original data on the prevalence and characteristics of pica in individuals ≥ 2 years with SCD. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis of prevalence used random-effects models. Data on substances consumed were pooled. Literature on potential correlates was narratively summarized across biological, psychological and social domains. Ten studies (1585 participants) from North America (<i>n</i> = 6), Africa (<i>n</i> = 1), Europe (<i>n</i> = 1), the Middle East (<i>n</i> = 1) and South America (<i>n</i> = 1) were included, with sample sizes ranging from 55 to 395. The pooled prevalence of pica was 34% (95% CI: 24%-46%, I² = 94%). Across four studies, the most commonly ingested materials were clay/dirt (<i>n</i> = 110, 39.3%), paper (<i>n</i> = 60, 21.4%) and fabric (<i>n</i> = 29, 10.4%). Narrative synthesis identified younger age, lower bodyweight, lower haemoglobin levels, higher impulsivity, lower socioeconomic status, lower family satisfaction and a positive family history as potential correlates of pica in SCD. Pica in SCD is highly prevalent. Psychosocial determinants may play a larger role than previously anticipated, alongside biological and disease-related contributors. However, current evidence is limited by small sample sizes, inconsistent findings, and lack of validated assessment tools. To advance understanding of the aetiology of pica, future longitudinal studies integrating biological, psychological, social and neuroimaging measures are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":46055,"journal":{"name":"Anemia","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5589148"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13490914/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148799302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Systematic Review on Plant-Based Therapies for the Management of Sickle Cell Anaemia.","authors":"Bot Yakubu Sunday, Swase Dominic Terkimbi, Okon Michael Ben, Sarad Pawar Naik Bukke, Idehen Iyore Charles, Herbert Izo Ninsiima, Adam Moyosore Afodun, Joseph Kibirige, Sara I A Latif, Ejike Daniel Eze","doi":"10.1155/anem/9936958","DOIUrl":"10.1155/anem/9936958","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a hereditary haemoglobin disorder that continues to pose a significant public health burden worldwide. This systematic review aimed to synthesise evidence on plant-derived therapies investigated for their antisickling, antioxidant and membrane-stabilising effects in the management of SCA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science was performed according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines to identify studies (2010-2025) evaluating plant-based interventions for SCA.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty-four studies published between 2010 and 2025 were included, with the majority (58.8%) published between 2018 and 2025, while 20.6% were published between 2010 and 2012. Most studies originated from Africa (58.8%), particularly Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, followed by Asia (26.5%). <i>Carica papaya</i> was the most frequently investigated medicinal plant (21.2%), and leaves were the most commonly used plant part (39%). Strong antisickling activity was reported in 41.2% of studies, while 26.5% demonstrated inhibition of haemoglobin S (HbS) polymerisation and 17.6% reported membrane-stabilising or antihaemolytic effects. Antioxidant activity accounted for 45.5% of all oxidative assessments. Overall, inhibition of HbS polymerisation was the most frequently reported mechanism of action, identified in 60.6% of the included studies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The evidence demonstrates that plant-derived extracts and phytochemicals possess significant antisickling, antioxidant and membrane-protective activity, supporting their potential as adjunct therapies for SCA. Nonetheless, standardisation of experimental protocols, toxicological evaluation and clinical trials are essential to advance towards clinical application.</p>","PeriodicalId":46055,"journal":{"name":"Anemia","volume":"2026 ","pages":"9936958"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13458021/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148713967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of Maternal Anemia and Adverse Fetal Birth Outcomes Among Women Who Gave Birth at Public Hospitals in Southern Ethiopia: An Unmatched Case-Control Study.","authors":"Serawit Lakew Chillo, Endrias Markos Woldesemayat, Mesay Hailu Dangisso","doi":"10.1155/anem/9108578","DOIUrl":"10.1155/anem/9108578","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In Ethiopia, approximately 10% of births are affected by adverse fetal birth outcomes. Yet, data was limited on the relationship of anemia with adverse fetal birth outcomes in Ethiopia, particularly in the study region. This study reported the association of maternal anemia and adverse fetal birth outcomes among women who gave birth at public hospitals in southern Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A multicenter, unmatched case-control study was conducted from May 28 to July 27, 2024, in four selected public hospitals in the study region. Data was collected using a structured and pretested questionnaire. A total of 433 participants were randomly selected, where 152 were cases and 281 were controls. The logistic regression model was fitted to detect statistical associations between the outcome and predictors at a <i>P</i> value of < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority of participants were in the age range of 20-35 years. Types of adverse fetal birth outcomes reported range from 10 (2.3%) others (asphyxia, anomaly, and post-term births) to 53 (12.2%) low birth weights. The overall anemic participants (anemia immediately before birth) among cases were 68 (44.7%), and controls were 48 (17.1%). The proportion of anemia status was highest with the stillbirths, 19 (73.1%), and lowest with the preterm births, 4 (20%). Participants with anemia status (immediately before birth) were 2.19 (95% CI: 1.26, 3.80) times more likely to have adverse fetal birth outcomes than non-anemia. Participants who have better adherence to iron-folic acid supplementations during pregnancy were 52% (AOR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.80) less likely to face adverse fetal birth outcomes. Participants who had a low level of educational attainment, a previous history of adverse fetal birth outcomes, and intermenstrual bleeding (current history) were likely to face adverse fetal birth outcomes in the current birth.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Anemia has an association with adverse fetal birth outcomes. Adherence to iron-folic acid in pregnancy had a protective association with adverse fetal birth outcomes. Interventions to facilitate anemia prevention strategies in pregnancy should be encouraged.</p>","PeriodicalId":46055,"journal":{"name":"Anemia","volume":"2026 ","pages":"9108578"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13385512/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148550808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Burden and Predictors of Anaemia in Children 1 to 5 Years at the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality in Ghana.","authors":"Eugenia Sly-Moore, Samuel Blay Nguah, Haruna Mahama, Sampson Antwi","doi":"10.1155/anem/4726556","DOIUrl":"10.1155/anem/4726556","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The burden and effects of anaemia remain high worldwide, with predictors varying by location, demographics, and socioeconomic factors. Knowing localised, specific predictors of anaemia helps develop targeted local interventions. We therefore set out to determine the prevalence and predictors of anaemia in a semiurban and rural community in Ghana.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>From June to August 2021, a community-based cross-sectional study using multilevel sampling was conducted in the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality, Ghana. Four hundred and seventy-six children, aged one to five, were recruited from four communities in the Kasei Subdistrict. Using a structured questionnaire, clinical, demographic, anthropometric, dietary and laboratory data, including blood haemoglobin, were obtained. The data were entered into EpiData and analysed with R statistical software. A multivariate ordinal logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of increasing anaemia severity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of anaemia was 76.3% (95% CI: 72.2-80.0), with mild, moderate and severe anaemia being 28.8% (95% CI: 24.7-33.1), 44.3% (95% CI: 39.8-48.9) and 3.2% (95% CI: 1.8-5.1), respectively. Two hundred and fifty (52.5%) children had malaria parasitaemia. Independent predictors of worsening anaemia severity were increasing age (aOR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95-0.98, <i>p</i> < 0.001), child eating from his/her bowl as opposed to communal eating (aOR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.28-0.80, <i>p</i> = 0.005), stunting (aOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.17-2.88, <i>p</i> = 0.009), malaria parasitaemia (aOR = 3.62, 95% CI: 2.42-5.46, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and mothers' religion (aOR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.62-3.68, < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality has a high burden of anaemia and malaria parasitaemia in children between one and five years old. Malaria parasitaemia, communal eating, younger age and the mother's religion were significantly associated with worsening anaemia. It is recommended that intermittent antimalarial treatment, routine administration of iron and trace elements, and counselling at well-baby and antenatal clinics on specific predisposing dietary habits be instituted for children under five years of age.</p>","PeriodicalId":46055,"journal":{"name":"Anemia","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4726556"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13309390/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148346879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Risk Factors of Anemia Among Ethiopian Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Frezer Kedir, Mathewos Mekonnen Gemmech, Yohannes Godie Ashebir, Mesfin Dabasa Jigi, Teferi Babu Itana, Ashenafi Tesfaye Yadesa, Dawit Tesfaye Rundasa, Aliyi Benti Daba, Sadik Abdulwehab","doi":"10.1155/anem/7191757","DOIUrl":"10.1155/anem/7191757","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Anemia is a prevalent but under-recognized cancer complication, particularly in low-resource countries like Ethiopia. It significantly impacts treatment outcomes, fatigue, quality of life, and mortality rates. This review aims to estimate the prevalence of anemia and its risk factors among cancer patients in Ethiopia for clinical decision-making and public health strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study employed a systematic review and meta-analysis design, sourcing evidence from various electronic databases until August 03, 2025. The data were extracted from June 01 to 30 and analyzed from July 01 to 25, with report generation till August 03, 2025, using R software. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model, with forest plots illustrating pooled prevalence and associated factors. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, and study quality was evaluated using a validated tool.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eleven studies involving diverse cancer populations across Ethiopia were included. The pooled prevalence of anemia among cancer patients was 39.5% (95% CI: 26.9%-52.1%). Advanced cancer stage, female sex, older age, poor nutritional status, rural residence, presence of comorbidities, hematologic malignancies, ≥ six cycles of chemotherapy, bone metastasis, and history of bleeding were factors associated with the development of cancer in patients who received treatment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Anemia is common among Ethiopian cancer patients, driven by both disease- and treatment-related factors. Routine screening and targeted interventions are needed to improve outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":46055,"journal":{"name":"Anemia","volume":"2026 ","pages":"7191757"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13291442/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148333493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Its Associated Factors of Anemia Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Health Institutions of Hargeisa, Somaliland.","authors":"Naima Abdikarim, Haftu Asmerom, Zerihun Ataro, Ephrem Tefera Solomon","doi":"10.1155/anem/5067972","DOIUrl":"10.1155/anem/5067972","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Anemia is one of the most common worldwide public health problems related to pregnancy. However, there is a scarcity of evidence regarding anemia among pregnant women in Somaliland, particularly in Hargeisa city. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and its associated factors of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care in health institutions of Hargeisa, Somaliland.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A cross-sectional study was carried out by involving 402 pregnant women in health institutions of Hargeisa between August 30 and September 30, 2023. Data were collected by four certified midwives using a structured face-to-face interview questionnaire, while four experienced laboratory professionals collected the necessary laboratory samples. A probability proportion to size sampling method was used, followed by simple random selection to select the study participants. The hemoglobin level was measured using the HemoCue 301 System. Data were entered into EpiData Version 4.6 and exported to SPSS Version 26 for analysis. A logistic regression model was fitted to determine the factors associated with anemia. Variables with a <i>p</i> value less than 0.25 in the bivariable analysis were considered for the multivariable logistic regression model. Statistical significance was set at <i>p</i> < 0.05, and results were reported as adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 402 pregnant women, 56.2% (95% CI: 51%-61%) of the participants were anemic, of which 20.4% were mild anemia, 32.6% were moderate anemia, and 3.2% were severe anemia. Pregnant women who had no ANC follow-up before the current visit (AOR = 3.42, 95% CI = 1.91, 6.18), pregnant women who did not use iron supplementation (AOR = 3.18, 95% CI = 1.85, 5.48), pregnant women who were in the third trimester (AOR = 3.29, 95% CI = 1.69, 6.42), pregnant women infected with intestinal parasitosis (AOR = 5.12, 95% CI = 1.08, 24.15), and pregnant women who were positive for malaria (AOR = 7.71, 95% CI = 1.81, 32.54) were all significantly associated with maternal anemia.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in Hargeisa is a significant public health concern, with more than half of the study participants affected.</p>","PeriodicalId":46055,"journal":{"name":"Anemia","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5067972"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13199993/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148036321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Red Cell Indices-Based Morphological Patterns of Anemia and Associated Factors Among Adults With Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda.","authors":"Feisal Dahir Kahie, Amon Banturaki, Marie Pascaline Sabine Ishimwe, Stella Nabirye, Abshir M Hirsi, Venance Emmanuel Mswelo, Awil Abdulkadir Abdi, Elias Joseph Xwatsal, Hanan Asad Hassan, Hamdi Mohamed Yusuf, Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Theoneste Hakizimana","doi":"10.1155/anem/4849833","DOIUrl":"10.1155/anem/4849833","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major public health concern, and anemia is a common but often overlooked complication that can worsen fatigue, quality of life, and clinical outcomes. In Uganda, where diabetes is increasing, evidence on red cell indices-based anemia patterns among adults with DM remains limited. We determined the prevalence, anemia subtypes, and associated factors among adults with DM at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study among consecutively recruited adults with DM (<i>n</i> = 246) at MRRH. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire and physical examination. Hemoglobin was measured using an automated hematology analyzer. Anemia was defined using the World Health Organization cutoffs, and anemia subtypes were classified by mean corpuscular volume (microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic). Data were analyzed in STATA 15.1. Logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with anemia; <i>p</i> < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of anemia was 28.0% (69/246; 95% CI: 22.8%-34.3%). Among anemic participants, normocytic anemia was most common (76.81%; 95% CI: 66.85%-86.77%), followed by microcytic anemia (13.04%; 95% CI: 5.10%-20.98%) and macrocytic anemia (10.14%; 95% CI: 3.02%-17.27%). In multivariable analysis, older age (> 60 years) (AOR = 5.17, <i>p</i> = 0.022), neuropathy (AOR = 4.97, <i>p</i> < 0.001), diabetes duration > 5 years (AOR = 2.25, <i>p</i> = 0.045), obesity (AOR = 5.94, <i>p</i> = 0.049), and poor glycemic control (AOR = 2.96, <i>p</i> = 0.002) were independently associated with anemia.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Anemia was common among adults with DM at MRRH, with normocytic anemia as the predominant red cell indices-based subtype. Routine anemia screening should be integrated into diabetes care, with further etiologic evaluation (e.g., iron studies, vitamin B12/folate, and renal markers) where feasible.</p>","PeriodicalId":46055,"journal":{"name":"Anemia","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4849833"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13193159/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148018113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microtubular Disruption Alters Intestinal Permeability in Murine Neonatal Anemic Intestine.","authors":"Marie Amalie Balamurugan, Balamurugan Ramatchandirin, Juanitaa George Raj, Arjun Subrramanya, Sayma Azeem, Zainab D Lawal, Megan M Ferris, Elizabeth Meister, Krishnan MohanKumar","doi":"10.1155/anem/6607553","DOIUrl":"10.1155/anem/6607553","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Anemia is a frequent diagnosis in premature and critically ill infants and is caused by phlebotomy, which is essential for medical care. The severity of anemia often correlates with the acuity of illness. We recently showed that severe neonatal anemia causes a \"leaky gut\" in neonatal mouse pups by altering the structure and function of epithelial adherens junctions through decreased E-cadherin expression. We hypothesize that microtubules play a major role in maintaining adherens junction integrity. To test this hypothesis, C57BL/6 mice were subjected to timed phlebotomy between postnatal days (P) 2-10 to induce severe anemia (hematocrits 20%-24%). Microtubular assembly was evaluated by electron microscopy, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and/or immunoblotting on intestinal tissues, Caco-2 intestinal epithelial-like cells, and colonic organoids. The electron micrographs showed loss of microtubules in the anemic intestine and disrupted intestinal epithelial microtubular assembly. Microtubular disruption was associated with decreased expression of the α-tubulin 4a (tuba4a) subunit. The observed ultrastructural changes that disrupt epithelial barrier functions result from hypoxia-induced microRNA let-7e destabilizing tuba4a expression in the anemic intestinal epithelium. In conclusion, phlebotomy-induced anemia in mouse neonates is associated with a \"leaky gut\" by the disruption of microtubular assembly.</p>","PeriodicalId":46055,"journal":{"name":"Anemia","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6607553"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13175075/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147964990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Iron Deficiency Diagnosis in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges, Barriers, and Opportunities.","authors":"Bright Manu, Benedict Ofori, Abdul Rashid Kassim, Emmanuel Lante Lamptey, Kwesi Zandoh Tandoh, Kwabena Amofa Nketia Sarpong","doi":"10.1155/anem/9089207","DOIUrl":"10.1155/anem/9089207","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common nutritional deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The burden of ID in SSA is further amplified by high rates of infectious diseases, hemoglobinopathies, and health system challenges. Early and accurate diagnosis of ID is necessary to reduce the clinical and public health impact of ID, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. Identifying ID before the onset of anemia is especially important, as anemia represents a late manifestation of depleted iron stores. Achieving earlier detection in SSA requires improved geographic and financial access to iron status testing, as well as diagnostic approaches that are appropriate for local epidemiological contexts. This review evaluates current strategies for diagnosing ID in SSA and points out key limitations that reduce their effectiveness. We emphasize that the interpretation of commonly used iron biomarkers is frequently confounded by inflammation, malaria, and inherited blood disorders, leading to misclassification and underestimation of the actual disease burden in SSA. These biological challenges are also compounded by systemic barriers, including high testing costs, limited laboratory infrastructure, reliance on distant referral facilities, and gaps in awareness at both healthcare providers and community levels. We further argue that improving ID diagnosis in SSA will require a multifaceted approach that includes the adoption of affordable, context-appropriate diagnostic platforms and the development of regionally derived reference ranges and diagnostic decision frameworks. Such strategies would better reflect the physiological and environmental diversity across SSA and support more accurate identification of both ID with and without anemia. These efforts could provide a practical pathway toward improving early detection, guiding targeted interventions, and reducing the burden of ID across the region.</p>","PeriodicalId":46055,"journal":{"name":"Anemia","volume":"2026 ","pages":"9089207"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13122429/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785153","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Costs of Treating Uncomplicated Sickle Cell Complications in a Day Hospital Setting in Equatorial Africa.","authors":"Lydie Ocini Ngolet, James Taylor, Amour de Chabervy Atipo, Clement Pach Mikia, Chelsea Bango, Fresnel Samba Bantsimba, Irene Ondzotto Ibatta, Alexis Elira Dokekias","doi":"10.1155/anem/5415432","DOIUrl":"10.1155/anem/5415432","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major public health concern in Africa. SCD healthcare expenses are covered by personal finances in the Congo due to the absence of universal public health insurance. Various strategies have been implemented to minimize this economic burden, including an outpatient management strategy. The present study evaluated the costs associated with outpatient management of uncomplicated sickle cell crises. Patients presenting to the National Sickle Cell Center's emergency room between December 2023 and February 2024 were included in this study for a total of 114 subjects with uncomplicated crises from SCD. Chief complaint, diagnosis, treatment, health insurance coverage, and cost of care were recorded for each subject. We further assessed the consistency of treatment with published standards of care. Mean patient age was 16 ± 13 years, where more than one-third were adults (36.5%). The ratio of males to females was 1.09. Only 26.2% were employed. Monthly income was lower in individuals with SCD ($310.32 ± 120.93) compared to those without SCD ($386.92 ± 471). Managing uncomplicated SCD as an outpatient costs an average of $99.86 ± 49, where medications represented 55.7% of the total expense. Sixty-six patients (57%) received prescription medications and investigation with no rational basis, resulting in an inflated cost of $15.96 per person. The present study did not demonstrate any financial benefits to managing uncomplicated SCD in outpatient settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":46055,"journal":{"name":"Anemia","volume":"2025 ","pages":"5415432"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12750314/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145879139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}