Association between Socio-Demographic Factors and Global Left Ventricular Function in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) causes progressive cardiac dysfunction, with socioeconomic factors potentially influencing disease progression. This study examined the relationship between sociodemographic variables and left ventricular function using myocardial performance index (MPI) in children with SCA from Sokoto, Nigeria - a high-burden, resource-limited region. Methods: In this cross-sectional study at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, 340 SCA children (2-15 years) in steady state underwent echocardiographic MPI assessment. Sociodemographic data including age, gender, and socioeconomic status (SES) were collected. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and χ² tests to evaluate MPI variations across groups. Results: The study revealed significant age-related MPI deterioration (p<0.05), with mean MPI increasing from 0.49±0.09 (≤5 years) to 0.51±0.14 (>10-15 years). A striking socioeconomic gradient emerged, with lower SES children showing highest MPI values (0.53±0.18 vs upper SES 0.48±0.11; p<0.001) and highest prevalence of abnormal MPI (65.5% vs 31.1%; χ²=25.17, p<0.001). No gender differences were observed (p=0.08). Conclusion: This study demonstrates significant socioeconomic disparities in cardiac function among Nigerian children with SCA, independent of gender. The findings underscore the need for targeted cardiac monitoring in high-risk populations and socioeconomic interventions to mitigate cardiovascular complications in resource-limited settings.