Abstract
Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited blood diseases in which the affected person inherits two abnormal haemoglobin genes from both parents and characterized by lifelong symptoms of anemia, vaso-occlusive crisis (VOCs) and end organ damage. Pulmonary complications that precipitate decline in lung function are contributors to morbidity and mortality. Determination of lung function can enable early detection of derangements allowing for timely institution of appropriate interventions to delay progression of symptoms.
Aims: This study evaluated the lung function patterns and their determinants in persons aged 6-17 years with confirmed SCD diagnosis.
Methods: One hundred and thirty-eight participants diagnosed with SCD attending care at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu, Kenya were recruited. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained using a structured questionnaire and the lung function determined using spirometry (NDD Easy-On PC).