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Publications

Journal Article Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Epublish 22 citations

PubMed: 29300776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190347

Prevalence of relative systemic hypertension in adults with sickle cell disease in Ghana.

PLoS One 13(1):e0190347

Authors: Amma Benneh-Akwasi Kuma, Amma Twumwa Owusu-Ansah, Mary Akua Ampomah, Fredericka Sey, Edeghonghon Olayemi, Mehdi Nouraie, Solomon Fiifi Ofori-Acquah

Affiliations

  • Department of Hematology, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
  • Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
  • Center for Translational and International Hematology, Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
  • Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana.
  • Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Heart, Lung and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America.

Abstract

Individuals with sickle cell disease particularly with the homozygous (SS) genotype historically have relatively low blood pressure. Nonetheless, they develop vasculopathy-associated organ dysfunction and the risk of organ dysfunction increases at blood pressures that are normal in the general population. This phenomenon is termed relative systemic hypertension (RSH) with a systolic blood pressure range of 120-139 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure range of 70-89 mmHg. The significance of RSH lies in its association with renal insufficiency, pulmonary hypertension, stroke and propensity to progress to systemic hypertension. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 1,000 adults with sickle cell disease at the Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics, to determine the prevalence of RSH in sickle cell disease in Ghana and associated complications. We found a high prevalence of RSH and hypertension with a relatively low frequency of renal insufficiency. Pulse pressure, a predictor of mortality, was higher in males of all ages. We anticipate that providing an estimate of the burden of RSH will heighten its recognition and clinical management among health care providers.

MeSH

Cells, Hypertension, Blood, Anemia, Sickle Cell, Blood Pressure, Prevalence, Renal Insufficiency

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