Prevalence of sickle cell disease in newborns in the Yaounde Central Hospital

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) in Africa is associated with very high incidence and morbidity and mortality rates, especially for children aged 0-5, yet reliable up-to-date information is lacking. Significant reduction in mortality rates has moreover been shown to be achieved with early neonatal diagnosis, followed by early management of affected children,as recommended by the United Nations. This is yet to be implemented in our context, thus underscoring the importance of well researched and published data on sickle cell disease neonatal prevalence. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study at the Yaound Central Hospital maternity from January 2016 to July 2016. Blood samples were collected from the heel of new-born babies and analysed by high liquid performance chromatography. Results were made available to parents and affected cases were orientated for follow-up by a specialist. Results: A total of 703 new-borns were included out of which 9 babies had SCD making a prevalence of 1.27; 5 (0.75%) were homozygous SS and 4(0.52%) were compound heterozygotes for HbS/ Thalassemia. One-hundred and eighteen newborns (16.8%) were AS and 576 (81.9%) AA. Prevalence of the S gene was 18.2% (127). Sex distribution was 366 males and 337 females. No correlation was found between anthropometric parameters and abnormal haemoglobin genotype except for the head circumference. Conclusion: Prevalence of SCD in new-borns is high. Neonatal screening should be extended to the rest of the territory with methods adapted to the local population.