Clinical and epidemiological features and therapeutic options of avascular necrosis in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD): A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a debilitating complication in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, and its management is usually challenging. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological features and therapeutic options of AVN in sickle cell patients in Qatar. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a 49 SCD patients who were diagnosed with AVN and attended the hematology clinic at the National Center for Cancer Care & Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar between Jan-2011 to Jan2021. RESULTS: Forty-nine adult patients with SCD who were diagnosed with AVN were studied. The median age of the study population is 32 years, and the median age at the first AVN diagnosis was 26 years (range: 11-44 yr.). 37 (75.5%) patients suffered from multiple joints AVN while 12 (24.5%) had single joint involvement. 31 (63.3%) patients had bilateral hip AVN and 18 (36.7%) had shoulder involvement. 30 patients (61%) were on hydroxyurea treatment. Based on Ficat and Arlet classification of AVN, 57 % of patients had stage III and above at first diagnosis. 20 (40.8%) were managed with a conservative approach, 11 (22.4%) received hyperbaric oxygen with good response, 6 (12.2%) underwent hip core decompression and 12 (24.5%) underwent hip replacement surgery. CONCLUSION: In SCD patients, AVN occurred more during the 3(rd) and 4(th) decades of life. The majority of AVN represented with advanced stage and had multiple joint involvements. We recommend adopting a low threshold of joint imaging for early detection and prevention of further complications. (www.actabiomedica.it)