A recent study conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal has highlighted the urgent need for advanced and early screening methods for children suffering from sickle cell disease (SCD). Researchers found that many young patients develop hidden complications affecting the heart, kidneys, and sleep patterns, which often go undetected during routine medical examinations.
The study was carried out by the Department of Pediatrics under the Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension at AIIMS Bhopal and was published in the International Pediatric Nephrology journal. The research was led by Dr. Harshitha S. under the guidance of Dr. Girish Chandra Bhatt. Doctors involved in the study said the findings are particularly important for Madhya Pradesh, where sickle cell disease remains highly prevalent, especially among tribal populations.
Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder that affects the shape and functioning of red blood cells. The condition can lead to chronic anaemia, severe pain episodes, infections, organ damage, and reduced life expectancy if not diagnosed and managed properly. India is considered one of the countries with the highest burden of sickle cell disease, with central Indian states such as Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra reporting large numbers of cases.
According to the study, traditional screening methods often fail to detect early complications associated with the disease. Researchers used 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), which revealed hidden abnormalities in blood pressure among several children, including elevated blood pressure during sleep hours. Such changes are difficult to identify during normal hospital visits but can significantly increase long-term cardiovascular risks.
The research also identified a high occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among children suffering from sickle cell disease. Doctors observed that children experiencing sleep apnea were more vulnerable to blood vessel and heart-related damage. Experts warned that untreated sleep-related breathing disorders could worsen existing health complications and affect growth, learning ability, and overall quality of life in affected children.
Another major concern highlighted in the study was the early onset of kidney complications. Researchers found signs of proteinuria, an early indicator of kidney damage, in several patients. More advanced diagnostic techniques using cystatin C testing revealed reduced kidney function in many children even when conventional kidney tests appeared normal. Nearly 71 per cent of the children studied reportedly showed signs of early cardiovascular or vascular injury despite having normal blood pressure readings during routine examinations.
Medical experts at AIIMS Bhopal stressed that children with sickle cell disease require regular and comprehensive health monitoring beyond standard blood tests. Dr. Girish Chandra Bhatt stated that early identification of hidden complications can help doctors improve treatment plans and reduce the risk of severe long-term organ damage. Researchers believe that introducing advanced screening protocols at an early stage could significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for children living with the disorder.
AIIMS Bhopal has been actively involved in genetic and newborn screening initiatives over the years. The institute previously established screening facilities for hemoglobin disorders such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia, particularly targeting high-risk tribal districts in Madhya Pradesh. State health authorities have also made newborn screening for sickle cell disease mandatory in several districts to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.
Healthcare experts say that awareness, genetic counselling, newborn screening, and early intervention remain critical in controlling the growing burden of sickle cell disease in India. The latest AIIMS Bhopal research is expected to help shape improved screening guidelines and treatment strategies for children affected by the disease, particularly in underserved and high-risk communities.
