Biventricular systolic and diastolic function in adolescents with sickle cell anemia and sickle cell traits – Systematic review

Background

Sickle cell anemia is the most prevalent hereditary hematological disease with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Cardiac involvement and cardiomyopathy are frequent manifestations of sickle cell anemia. Echocardiographic analysis using tissue Doppler and speckle tracking is an important tool for assessing cardiac functions.

Aim of Review

This study aimed to determine cardiac function alterations in patients with sickle cell anemia and sickle cell traits to assess the usefulness of new echocardiographic techniques for the early detection of myocardial dysfunction in this disease. A systematic review was carried out using PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature databases based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology and Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcomes criteria. Original cohort, case-control, cross-sectional, and case series articles published between December 1999 and March 2023 were analyzed.

Key Scientific Concepts of Review

Echocardiographic studies have focused on identifying the impact of ventricular systolic and diastolic performance on this disease. The studies analyzed in the current systematic review suggest intrinsic myocardial abnormalities in patients with sickle cell anemia, which may indicate early signs of cardiac involvement in young individuals.