Risk and protective factors for severe COVID-19 infection in a cohort of patients with sickle cell disease

Continued investigation of comorbid conditions that increase the mortality rate of COVID-19 is necessary to provide the best care for those affected. This continued push to find answers is even more important for populations with COVID-19 comorbidities that are historically under-researched. We performed a retrospective analysis of 30 patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. An analysis of each patient's history of SCD complications, hydroxyurea usage, comorbidities, and several other factors was performed to identify the trends that will allow the practitioners to better predict the outcomes of patients with SCD before and during hospitalization for COVID-19. Through these analyses, we found that patients receiving hydroxyurea before COVID-19 infection and patients with SCD-type HbSC had significantly milder COVID-19 disease courses than those not receiving hydroxyurea or with SCD-type HbSS. A history of acute chest syndrome (ACS), a complication seen in patients with SCD, appeared to be associated with a more severe COVID-19 disease course. By creating systems to better interpret what makes a patient with SCD at high risk for a poor prognosis, practitioners are better equipped to make data-supported recommendations for prevention, risk, and treatment. These recommendations should include beginning or maintaining hydroxyurea usage in all qualifying patients with SCD, advising patients with a history of ACS to take extra precautions to prevent initial COVID-19 infection, and initiating close monitoring in the hospital for patients with HbSS and a history of ACS.