Inflammation and Iron Profile in Children With Sickle Cell Disease in Cameroon: Frequency and Associated Factors, an Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Aims: Sickle Cell Disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that could be aggravated by exposure to variable factors such as infections, hemolysis, oxidative stress and so forth. that could preciptate variable acute or end-organ manifestation. However, the degree of inflammation could vary in individuals. Thus this study evaluates the inflammatory state (hs-CRP, IL6, ferritin) of children living with SCD and the associated factors. Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study for 03 months. The patients included were those from the Central Hospital of Yaounde and the Regional Hospital of Bafoussam in which they are regularly monitored and/or interned in the Hematology department. The exploration of inflammation was made by determining hs-CRP, IL6, and ferritin concentrations. The hematological parameters and iron profile were evaluated using standard methods. Statistical analyses of the data were carried out using the statistical software R version 4.1.1. from which logistic regression analyses according to univariate and multivariate models made it possible to identify factors associated with inflammation in patients. Results: Hundred and forty-nine SCD patients were included in the study. The frequency of inflammation in the population was 42.3%. Hyperferritinemia was significantly greater (p < 0.001) in patients with inflammation compared to the noninflammatory patients (96.8% and 76.7% respectively). Patients with inflammation showed a significant elevation of iron parameters (p < 0.05). In addition, ferritin and IL6 elevation were associated with inflammation during sickle cell disease, respectively (OR = 4.96; 95% CI [1.15-36.42]; p = 0.056) and (OR = 6.23; 95% CI [1.43-45.96]; p = 0.030). Conclusion: The elevated iron in plasma is an effect of inflammation in sickle cell patients. Thus, inflammation constitutes a significant and significant factor in worsening the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease. Hence the need of controlling inflammation and iron in the latter is necessary.