ABSTRACT

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent hemoglobinopathy in Morocco, with considerable clinical and biological variability, imposing a significant public health burden.
Methods: A cross-sectional study analyzed 232 pediatric SCD patients in steady state (156 SS, 37 AS). Hematological and biochemical parameters were assessed to establish reference profiles for clinical evaluation and therapeutic follow-up.
Results: The mean age was 8.4 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.4. Hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in SS compared to AS patients (6.45 vs. 9.3 g/dL; p < 0.001). Severe anemia affected 45.3% of patients, while normocytic, microcytic, and macrocytic anemia were observed in 33.2%, 18.5%, and 3.0%, respectively.
Conclusions: Moroccan children with SCD, particularly SS patients, present marked hematological abnormalities reflecting severe disease. These findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis, systematic monitoring, and strengthened public health strategies to reduce morbidity and improve long-term outcomes.

KEYWORDS

Sickle cell disease, hemoglobinopathy, pediatric, Morocco, hematological profile

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