Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and parts of India, where it is often complicated by iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Untreated IDA exacerbates SCD symptoms, reducing quality of life (QOL) and increasing morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis typically depends on ferritin levels, which can be unreliable due to inflammation associated with SCD's altered red cell morphology and chronic hemolysis. This systematic review and meta-analysis explores the interplay between IDA and SCD, focusing on diagnostic criteria for effective management. We conducted a thorough search of PubMed and EMBASE, leading to the selection of 14 studies following PRISMA guidelines. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023462914). Data extraction, quality assessments, and heterogeneity checks were rigorously performed. Out of 3188 articles, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, covering 763 SCD cases with 118 instances of IDA. The meta-analysis found an IDA prevalence of 6% (95% CI: 1%-20%) among SCD patients, with high heterogeneity (I 2 = 88.8%). Sensitivity analysis adjusted for publication bias indicated an 8% prevalence (95% CI: 4%-19%) with reduced heterogeneity (I 2 = 19.5%). Subgroup analysis revealed a lower prevalence of IDA in pregnant women (0.01%; 95% CI: 0.00%-0.92%) compared to non-pregnant individuals (7%; 95% CI: 2%-22%). The study highlights significant regional variability in IDA prevalence among SCD patients, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and targeted management to improve patient outcomes and QOL.