Prevalence and factors associated with abnormal lung function in children aged 6 upto 18 years attending the sickle cell clinic at Mulago national referral hospital
Prevalence and factors associated with abnormal lung function in children aged 6 upto 18 years attending the sickle cell clinic at Mulago national referral hospital
Date
2022-03-22
Authors
Mwa, Alol Pamella
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Makerere university
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary complications in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) is common and is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. However, despite the high burden of SCD in Uganda, there is a scarcity of data on the prevalence and factors associated with abnormal lung function among children living with SCD in Uganda.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with abnormal lung function among children living with SCD in Uganda.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the sickle cell clinic (SCC) of Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH). Children aged 6 to 18 years were screened for eligibility. A questionnaire was administered, and clinical history and physical examination done. For eligible participants, spirometry was performed. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and the FEV1/ FVC ratio determined to diagnose abnormal lung function.
Results: A total of 427 participants were screened, and 332 were considered eligible. The mean age (standard deviation, [SD]) was 11.7 ±3.4 year, and 184 (55.4%) were female. The prevalence of abnormal lung function was 37.9% (126/332) (95% confidence interval (CI): 32.9 — 43.3). Of the 126 participants with abnormal lung functions, 67 (53.2%) had restrictive, 57 (45.2%) obstructive and 2 (1.6%) mixed patterns. The factors associated with abnormal lung functions were; serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level > 600UL [ adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.9, 95% CI: 1.2 — 7.4, p=0.024], history of acute chest syndrome (aOR: 2.59, 95% CI: 1.05 — 6.36, p=, 0.041), wasting (aOR167,95%CI: 1.01- 2.79, p= 0.049), use of charcoal for cooking (aOR 2.01, 95% CI: 0.95 -3.77, p= 0.031) and SpO2 (aOR 2.83, 95%CI: 1.55- 5.19, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Over one-third of the participants had an abnormal lung function. Routine screening may be considered in patients with a history of acute chest syndrome, elevated
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LDH, wasting and hypoxemia. Increasing serum LDH levels may be further investigated as a biomarker of abnormal lung function in this population.
Description
Keywords
children,
sickle cell disease,
abnormal lung function,
Acute chest syndrome,
spirometry
Citation
Aol,P.M (2022)Prevalence and factors associated with abnormal lung function in children aged 6 upto 18 years attending the sickle cell clinic at Mulago national referral hospital, unpublished masters dissertation. Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.