Key Findings
- Purpose
Assess prevalence of nocturnal hemoglobin desaturation (NHD) among adults with severe sickle cell disease (SCD) who receive chronic red blood cell exchange (RCE) transfusions. NHD related complications can significantly affect quality of life and contribute to morbidity, yet they remain underdiagnosed in this high-risk population. - Population
41 adults with severe SCD, all categorized as high-risk and undergoing chronic RCE therapy. 15 individuals (36.6%) were identified as having NHD, which indicates a substantial portion of this population experiences oxygen desaturation. - Headline Result
Among the subgroup with NHD, the median duration of desaturation episodes, defined as SpO₂ at or below 88%, was approximately 88.3 minutes per night. This is clinically significant, as prolonged nocturnal hypoxemia can exacerbate organ damage and overall disease burden. Furthermore, the presence of NHD was associated with a cluster of adverse hematologic indicators, including higher reticulocyte counts, leukocytosis, more severe anemia, and elevated markers of hemolysis. - Why It Matters
Prolonged night-time desaturation can contribute to cardiovascular and neurological complications, worsening overall health. NHD is prevalent in adults with severe SCD on RCE therapy. Integrating routine screening for NHD in this patient population can facilitate timely interventions, such as supplemental oxygen therapy, to mitigate potential harm. - Evidence Gaps
The retrospective, single-center cross-sectional study design with a small sample size restricts the ability to establish causality or broadly generalize the results.
Source: Journal of Sickle Cell Disease – Nocturnal hemoglobin desaturation in chronically transfused adults with sickle cell disease: a retrospective study