Cohort study reveals iron overload impacts stroke and pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell disease patients, indicating need for better chelation therapy.
Key Points
This research aims to assess the relationship between iron overload and comorbidities in sickle cell disease patients.
Cohort of 245 adult sickle cell disease patients studied at Medical University of South Carolina.
Medical records were used to collect information on patients.
Statistical analysis examined correlations and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.
Identified 85 participants with iron overload, representing 34.7% of the cohort.
Significant associations found between iron overload and stroke, pulmonary hypertension, acute chest syndrome, and deep vein thrombosis.
Strong correlation observed between liver iron concentration and ferritin levels.