IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON SICKLE CELL DISEASE PATIENTS A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Objective: The review aimed to examine the evidence for the impact of COVID-19 on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients. Background: Corona virus disease (COVID-19) continues to ravage various parts of the world, with increasing cases of morbidity and mortality. The coronavirus primarily targets therespiratory system, although it affects other organs. Evidence shows that patients with preexisting conditions, such as SCD, are a to higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 illness and death. Methods: A narrative review was conducted through a computerized search on the PubMed database. Ten articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the synthesis. Discussion: The findings of the review show that SCD patients are at increased risk of severe illness and death when infected with COVID-19 due to their immunocompromised state. Although there is heterogenicity in results, most studies concur that SCD complications such asVaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS), stroke, and acute anemia pose the greatest risk of morbidity and mortality. However, most patients show favorable outcomes when provided with proper intervention. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this review, patients with SCD have significantly adverse COVID-19 outcomes.