Conectar
by Bwambale Jonani, Emmanuel Charles Kasule, Bwire Roman Herman, Joel Fredrick Arturo, Mwesigwa Calvin Mugambwa, Ssebulime Stephen, John Bosco Mundaka, Richard Kwizera, Gerald Mboowa, Felix Bongomin
IntroductionSickle Cell Anemia (SCA) is a significant genetic disorder in Africa; however, comprehensive data on its prevalence and geographic distribution remain limited. We aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of SCA (HbSS) in African populations and examine regional, demographic, and temporal variations from 1994–2024.
MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and BASE databases for studies reporting SCA prevalence in African populations. Screening and quality assessments were performed using JBI tools. A random-effects meta-analysis with logit transformation was performed, with subgroup analyses by region, age, sex, and study design. Meta-regression explored heterogeneity sources, including geographic region, age category, diagnostic method, study design, and publication year.
ResultsFrom 115 studies with 1,203,839 participants and 17,458 confirmed HbSS cases, the pooled prevalence was 1.43% (95% CI: 1.08%–1.88%), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 99.1%) and a prediction interval of 0.21%–8.91%. Central Africa showed the highest prevalence (1.99%), and Southern Africa showed the lowest (0.59%). Children exhibited a higher prevalence (1.65%) than adults (0.45%), while sex differences were non-significant (males 2.71%, females 1.74%; p = 0.694). The prevalence has remained stable over three decades despite a six-fold increase in research output, although wide prediction intervals indicated substantial between-study variability. Electrophoretic techniques predominated (86.4% of cases). Diagnostic method (χ² = 16.73, p = 0.033) and age category (χ² = 33.66, p 2 = 98.6%). Leave-one-out sensitivity analysis showed that no single study significantly impacted the pooled estimates.
ConclusionSCA represents a substantial and geographically variable public health challenge across Africa. These findings highlight the need for region-specific interventions, expanded newborn screening programs, improved diagnostic accessibility with quality assurance for point-of-care technologies, and continued surveillance to address geographic gaps.
Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is widely used for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in pulmonary medicine. However, FB can cause respiratory and haemodynamic complications, especially in patients with pre-existing lung and/or cardiovascular comorbidities. Despite the range of oxygenation and ventilatory approaches available to prevent these risks, evidence regarding their real-world application and clinical impact is limited. The OxyFOB study aims to assess the prevalence and outcomes of various oxygenation and ventilatory support strategies used during FB across Europe.
The OxyFOB study is a large, prospective, international, observational cohort study which aims to involve over 10 000 FB procedures across European centres. Eligible participants include all adults undergoing FB for diagnostic, therapeutic or procedural indications. Data are collected via a standardised electronic case report form and encompass demographic information, procedural details and clinical outcomes. The primary endpoint is the prevalence of oxygenation and ventilatory support strategies: conventional oxygen therapy, high-flow oxygen therapy, continuous positive airway pressure, non-invasive ventilation and invasive mechanical ventilation. Secondary outcomes include periprocedural respiratory and haemodynamic events, patient comfort, dyspnoea and postprocedural complications. Statistical analyses include descriptive statistics, subgroup comparisons and multivariate logistic regression.
The study has received ethical approval from the coordinating centre (protocol n. 22/2022 on the 20 January 2022, by the ‘Comitato Etico Sezione Area Centro - Regione Calabria’) and all participating sites. Informed consent is given from all patients or their legal representatives. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international meetings. Data will be managed and made available on reasonable request to support further research.
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05681962. Registered January 2023.
FreshRSS 