Seasonal variations in frequency of acute sickle cell morbidities admitted into an emergency ward in Lagos

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the seasonal variations in frequency and outcomes of HBSS-related morbidities admitted over two years into a tertiary hospital emergency ward in Lagos, Nigeria. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using hospital records of HBSS patients admitted into the emergency ward from January 2021 to December 2022. Data on demographics, clinical diagnosis, season of admission, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed using Epi Info version 7. Associations were tested using Chi-square at a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 132 HBSS admissions were recorded (63 in 2021 and 69 in 2022), with a male predominance (54.5%), while the majority aged between 20 and 29 years (55.3%). Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) was the most common morbidity (80.6%). Seasonal variations in admissions occurred, which peaked during rainy season months (May, June). The percentage of in-hospital mortality was 5.3% and mortality was seen to be significantly higher among stroke cases (50.0%) than other HBSS morbidities (p = 0.046). Seasonal patterns influenced HBSS morbidity, with VOCs predominating especially during the rainy season.