# Hematological Characteristics of Patients With Sickle Cell Disease in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

## TL;DR

This study examines the blood-related features of sickle cell disease in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, finding severe anemia and age/gender differences in disease impact.

## Contribution

The study provides region-specific insights into hematological profiles of SCD in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

## Key findings

- Most patients (99%) had anemia, with 74% experiencing severe anemia (Hb below 10 g/dL).
- Older patients showed stronger negative correlations between age and hemoglobin levels and red blood cell counts.
- Severe anemia was more common in females (mean Hb 8.4 g/dL) compared to males (mean Hb 9.0 g/dL).

## Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive illness characterized by severe morbidity and mortality rates. Although numerous studies on SCD have been conducted worldwide, the hematological features of SCD in the Middle East require further investigation. Therefore, we conducted this study to examine the hematological characteristics of SCD in Saudi Arabia, specifically in the Al Ahsa region. We performed a retrospective examination of health records at King Fahad Hospital in Hofuf, and data were analyzed in relation to gender, age, and other demographic factors. This study included a total of 96 records, with an average age of patients being 33 years. The majority of the patients (60%) were male. Most of the patients were anemic (99%), with one-quarter (26%) suffering from mild-to-moderate anemia (hemoglobin (Hb) above 10 g/dL) and the remaining three-quarters (74%) suffering from severe anemia (Hb below 10 g/dL). Correlation studies show that older patients (above 50 years old) are more severely affected by the disease compared to younger adult groups, evidenced by a strong negative correlation between age and both Hb levels and red blood cell counts (RBCs). Severe anemia is more common in females than in males, with a mean Hb of 8.4 g/dL in females (79% having Hb below 10 g/dL) compared to a mean Hb of 9.0 g/dL in males (71% having Hb below 10 g/dL). About half of the studied SCD population showed abnormal platelet counts (51%), with no significant difference between males and females. Thrombocytosis was slightly more prevalent than thrombocytopenia (31% vs. 20%). Our study indicates that SCD in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, is associated with moderate-to-severe anemia. The impact of the disease is more pronounced in older individuals and females. Abnormal platelet counts are common among SCD patients in the Al Ahsa region. These findings should be taken into account when addressing SCD in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia and possibly in other regions.