ESPE Abstracts

Methods: We performed an electronic search in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Sciences to evaluate the global prevalence of growth hormone impairment and different endocrinopathies in SCD in all publications in the past 25 years.

Results: Sixteen studies were included from 9 countries (USA, Canada, UK, Brazil, Jamaica, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain) after 2000. The total number of patients was 1286. Most patients were children and adolescents <16 years. The pooled prevalence of hypogonadism/delayed puberty was 21% %. The pooled prevalence of GH deficiency in short SCD children with height SDS < -2 was 24.6%. Clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism occurred in 5.76% while diabetes and dysglycemia occurred in 10.9%. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 62.3%.

Conclusion: Our study revealed that near one-fifth of SCD patients suffered from hypogonadism and/or delayed puberty. One-fourth of short SCD children (HAZ < -2) had GH deficiency. Dysglycemia and diabetes mellitus occur later in life in 10.9% of SCD patients. Regular evaluation of growth and close monitoring of endocrine function for early and timely management of these abnormalities besides conventional treatment (hydroxyurea, and regular blood transfusion and chelation therapy in those with transfusion-dependent SCD) could significantly reduce these abnormalities. (table)