Saudi Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SJMPS)
Volume-5 | Issue-12 | 1148-1152
Original Research Article
Electrocardiographic Abnormalities in Adults with Sickle Cell Anaemia
Mbakamma AN, Alikor CA, Enwere OO, Odia OJ
Published : Dec. 30, 2019
Abstract
Introduction: Sickle cell anaemia is a monogeneic hereditary disease that manifests as a lifelong multisystemic disorder characterized by periods of relatively stable health punctuated by periods of acute ill health, mostly possibly reversible and an accumulation of chronic complications, mostly irreversible affecting various organ systems with an outcome of persistent morbidity, and the risk of premature mortality. The aim of this study is to identify electrocardiographic changes typical to patients with Sickle cell anaemia (SCA). Method: Fifty three SCA patients and fifty three apparently healthy, age and sex matched adults HbAA subjects were recruited in this case control study. Individuals with other cardiovascular risk factors were excluded from the study. All recruited individuals were evaluated using electrocardiography. Result: There was left and right atrial abnormality in 7.4% and 3.8% of the SCA patients respectively while shortened PR interval was identified in 1.9%. First degree atrioventricular block was noted in 3.8% while features of Right bundle branch block (RBBB) and left bundle branch block (LBBB) were found in 3.8% and 1.9% of SCA patients respectively. Both Left and Right Ventricular hypertrophy with significant ST-T wave changes in the anterior and inferior leads were also observed in the SCA patients (p=0.001). Prolonged QTc was also identified in 20.8% SCA patients (p=0.02).CONCLUSION: Varied ECG abnormalities are common in SCA patients which may contribute to sudden death. Early ECG findings make for timely intervention towards prevention of disease progression.