CLINICAL OUTCOME OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES IN PATIENTS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE: A TERTIARY CARE EXPERIENCE AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE.

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder characterised by an abnormality in the oxygen carrying capacity of haemoglobin molecule in red blood cells. WHO has recognised 14 communities in South Gujarat amongst the tribal groups with high prevalence of SCD. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can lead to increased secondary damage due to presence of hypoxia and hypotension; which are worsened in the presence of SCD leading to grave outcomes. In one of this rare kind of study; 11 patients of TBI with SCD were analysed. 5(45.45%) patients had history of no trauma or minor trauma with a mortality of 3(27.27%) patients out of 11. All (100%) patients had hypoxia and hypotension at the time of presentation. Aresearch on bigger scale is needed to identify specic interventions that may improve outcomes in this population.