Journal of Hematology & Thromboembolic Diseases
Open Access

Abstract

Thromboembolic Events among Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: Risk Factors and Prevalence in a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Farjah Hassan Al-Gahtani

Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) can be complicated by thromboembolic disease. However, up-to-date there is no clarity on the risk factors associated with this complication. Here we report the prevalence of Thromboembolic Disease (TED) among SCD patients and find out factors associated with the development of these thromboembolic events in SCD. Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of 477 patients diagnosed with SCD at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia seen between 1982 and 2008. Review included demographic data, diagnosis, comorbidities, type of SCD, laboratory and coagulation profiles, treatment, mortality, cause of death and adverse events including stroke, deep vein thrombosis, and infarction. Results: TED was documented in 8.4% of our patients. Patients who developed TED had higher prevalence of trauma, transient immobility and chest infection and higher serum ferritin levels. The prevalence of TED was significantly associated with history of trauma, transient immobility, D-dimer level, serum ferritin level, presence of chest infection and HS.