5. Frequency of Childhood Ischemic Stroke in Children Presenting with Sickle Cell Anemia
Sami ul Haq1, Tosif Ahmad2, Israr Liaqat3, Sadaqat Ali1 and Zahoor ul Haq2
ABSTRACT
Objective: Frequency of Childhood Ischemic Stroke in children presenting with Sickle Cell Anemia
Study Design: Descriptive / cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Pediatric Department, DHQ Teaching Hospital, Gomal Medical College, Dera Ismail Khan from November 2015 to May 2016.
Materials and Methods: All children under 18 years with Sickle Cell Anemia were enrolled. Children with stroke were investigated by performing Peripheral Smear and Hb Electrophoresis. Informed written consent was taken from parents. Confounding factors were identified and controlled by exclusion criteria.
Sample size of 105 was calculated by using WHO software based on confidence interval 95%, margin of error 6% and prevalence of Childhood Ischemic Stroke 11%.
Sampling technique was Non-probability consecutive sampling.
Results: A total of 105 patients presenting with sickle cell anemia presenting with highly suspicion of stroke were included in the study. There were 54 (51.43%) males and 51 (48.57%) females. Average age of the patients was 5.90 + 3.96, with range 6 months - 18 years. The Childhood Ischemic Stroke was found in 16(15.2%) patients.
Conclusion: Our findings provide novel information about ischemic stroke among children of sickle-cell disease. Sickle Cell Anemia is the most common genetic and hematologic risk factor for ischemic stroke in children. Implementation of an effective strategy is required for children with sickle cell disease to prevent Ischemic Stroke & prompt action to be taken for its management.
Key Words: Frequency, childhood ischemic stroke, sickle cell anemia
Citation of articles: Haq S, Ahmad T, Liaqat I, Ali S, Haq Z. Frequency of Childhood Ischemic Stroke in Children Presenting with Sickle Cell Anemia. Med Forum 2019;30(6):19-22.