Determinants influencing martial status in sickle cell disease patients

Homozygous sickle cell anaemia patients living in tropical regions find themselves at the crossroads of all possible situations: on the one hand, they are exposed to the risk of iron overload associated with long-term polytransfusion; on the other hand, they are in an environment with a high risk of iron deficiency in the body, and in some circumstances they have a normal iron level.The aim of this study was to identify the factors influencing iron status in children aged 6 to 204 months. Methods: A cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted at CEFA/MONKOLE in Kinshasa.Results: We collected data on 220 children with sickle cell anaemia. 55.9% of the population was male and the median age was 96 months. Children aged 84, 96 and 108 months represented 28.18% of the population. Polytransfusion significantly increased the rate of iron responsible for iron overload. The economic and professional level of the carers of children with sickle cell anaemia, and the diet potentially influence the iron status, although this was not significant.