Abstract

Sickle cell disease-related neurologic complications in children under the age of five

Author(s): Mark David

Introduction: One of the most prevalent genetic diseases worldwide, Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) affects every organ. Preventing end-organ dysfunction, particularly in the brain, in children with SCD is the most difficult aspect of medical care. Silent cerebral infarction, cerebral sinus thrombosis, epilepsy, reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke are among the most common major neurologic complications in children under the age of five with SCD. Children under the age of five with SCD frequently experience migraines and recurrent headaches. The neurologic complications and the description of modifiable risk factors for children under the age of 5 will be the primary focus of this review, with a particular emphasis on the distinctions between high resource settings and low resource settings. Subjects covered: Children under the age of five and their modifiable risk factors for neurologic complications. Medical subject headings (MeSH) and keywords were used to search the PUBMED database for articles about neurologic complications in children under the age of 5. Conclusion: Silent cerebral infarction and cognitive impairment are the most common neurologic complications in children under five years old with SCD, which may be more common than currently reported.