Predictors of Mortality in Adults With Sickle Cell Disease Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit in King Saud Medical City, Saudi Arabia

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common genetic blood disorder in Saudi Arabia. A limited number of studies have been conducted on SCD patients regarding their intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. We aimed to identify the cause of ICU admission in SCD patients and to identify predictors of mortality. Methodology We identified 64 patients with SCD, aged 14 years and older, who were admitted to the ICU of King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2020. Results Acute chest syndrome was the most frequent primary diagnosis for ICU admission in 29 (45.3%) patients followed by vaso-occlusive crisis in 23 (35.9%) patients. Pregnancy in eight (12.5%) patients was the most prevalent co-existing condition. The median age was 29 years, with males comprising 45.3% and females comprising 54.7% of the study population. Arterial blood gas pH less than 7.2 on ICU admission (p= <0.001), hemodialysis support (p= 0.049), the use of vasopressors (p= 0.016), intubation (p= <0.001), and being intubated within the first 24 hours of ICU stay (p= 0.04) had a statistically significant association with mortality at ICU discharge out of all the variables tested. Mortality on ICU discharge was 7 (10.9%). Conclusion This was a retrospective study carried out in King Saud Medical City. Comparing the results of the study to those of similar ones conducted around the world revealed a low SCD ICU mortality rate. This low mortality may be a result of improved overall ICU care. We recommend a multi-center, prospective study in future.