Investigating the prevalence, clinical consequences and associations of red blood cell alloimmunization among children with sickle cell disease in Kilifi Kenya

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common serious genetic disorder in sub-Saharan Africa where over 280,000 affected children are born every year. Blood transfusions are commonly given to children with SCD when they present to hospital with clinical complications. Blood transfusions can also lead to complications like alloimmunization which is an immune reaction to donor blood. Research problem The prevalence and clinical consequences of alloimmunization among patients with SCD in Africa are not well described. With improving survival, alloimmunization has the potential for becoming a serious management problem for patients with SCD within the region. Approach I propose to investigate the prevalence, incidence and risk factors for alloimmunization among children living with SCD in Kilifi on the coast of Kenya. Expected Impact Having a clear understanding of the prevalence and factors contributing to alloimmunization so as to develop better transfusion strategies for the management of SCD patients.