Evaluation of Cardiac Status of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease by 2D Echocardiography with Specific Reference to Pulmonary Hypertension.

ABSTRACT

Aims: To evaluate the cardiac status in patients with sickle cell anemia and sickle cell trait by 2D echocardiography (2D Echo) with specific reference to pulmonary hypertension (PH) and to assess prevalence and severity of PH in this population. Study design: A prospective, cross-sectional study was done in 50 patients with sickle cell disease in whom. 2D Echo was performed, which assessed their cardiac status with specific reference to PH. Material and methods: The study was conducted on outdoor and indoor patients of the Dept. of Medicine at Shri Sayajirao General (SSG) Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat. The study was conducted over a period of 18 months in 50 patients with sickle cell anemia as well as sickle cell trait. Results: The present study revealed that PH was present in one-third of patients with sickle cell disease. Conclusion: Pulmonary arterial hypertension is one of the leading causes of morbidity and increased mortality in adults with sickle cell disease.