GASTROINTESTINAL AND NUTRITIONAL COMPLICATIONS IN SICKLE CELL ANEMIA PATIENTS TREATED AT A REFERRAL CENTER IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON
- 1Programa de Pós-Graduação em História da Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (PPGH/UEA), Manaus, AM, Brazil
- 2Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmácia (PPGFAR) da Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brazil
- 3Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Imunologia Básica e Aplicada da Universidade Federal do Amazonas (PPGIBA/UFAM), Manaus, AM, Brazil
Abstract
Introduction: Individuals diagnosed with sickle cell anemia frequently manifest gastrointestinal abnormalities and feeding difficulties. Severe symptoms frequently result in a reduction of food intake, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies and negatively impact patients' quality of life. Moreover, the presence of abdominal pain, often precipitated by vaso-occlusive crises, can be exacerbated by concurrent symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition to cholelithiasis, this pain can worsen and lead to aplastic crises. Objective: To analyze the frequency of gastrointestinal and dietary symptoms in sickle cell anemia patients, detailing their probable consequences for nutritional status. Material and Method: An observational study was conducted on patients diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. Standardized instruments were used to assess gastrointestinal and dietary symptoms. The study's range of analysis encompassed various variables, including but not limited to: food acceptance, constipation, heartburn, and food allergies. The results of this examination were presented in terms of relative frequency. Results: The prevalence of symptoms and complications related to eating was observed in 61.04% of the patients, while constipation was reported by 51.95%. Moreover, 68.83% of the subjects reported experiencing difficulty in accepting certain foods, and 18.18% cited food allergies as a contributing factor. With respect to fiber intake, adequate levels were observed only in children, whereas intake was insufficient among adolescents and adults. Discussion: The results of the study indicate a high incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms, which have the potential to affect nutrient intake and absorption, thereby contributing to the development of nutritional deficiencies and the exacerbation of the clinical condition. These findings underscore the necessity of systematic assessment of these symptoms during multidisciplinary follow-up, particularly within the context of nutritional therapy. The identified deficiency in both adolescents and adults directly impacts gastrointestinal health, immune function, and glycemic control. These factors are critical to the management of sickle cell anemia. In addition, insufficient fiber intake has been demonstrated to affect the balance of the gut microbiota, which may result in systemic inflammation. Conclusion: Individuals diagnosed with sickle cell anemia frequently manifest gastrointestinal symptoms and feeding issues, including, but not limited to, reluctance to consume nourishment and constipation. Early detection of these changes can support personalized nutritional interventions, helping to prevent nutritional deficiencies and improve dietary adherence and quality of life.
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BibTeX
@article{silva2026gastrointestinal,
title = {{GASTROINTESTINAL AND NUTRITIONAL COMPLICATIONS IN SICKLE CELL ANEMIA PATIENTS TREATED AT A REFERRAL CENTER IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON}},
author = {Gracineide Pereira DA SILVA and George Allan VILLAROUCO SILVA and Nelson Abrahim FRAIJI and Renato Santos LEAL and Rajendranath RAMASAWMY and José Pereira MOURA NETO},
journal = {Hematology, Transfusion and Cell Therapy},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1016/j.htct.2026.106571},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.htct.2026.106571},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - GASTROINTESTINAL AND NUTRITIONAL COMPLICATIONS IN SICKLE CELL ANEMIA PATIENTS TREATED AT A REFERRAL CENTER IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON
AU - Gracineide Pereira DA SILVA
AU - George Allan VILLAROUCO SILVA
AU - Nelson Abrahim FRAIJI
AU - Renato Santos LEAL
AU - Rajendranath RAMASAWMY
AU - José Pereira MOURA NETO
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/23
JO - Hematology, Transfusion and Cell Therapy
DO - 10.1016/j.htct.2026.106571
UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.htct.2026.106571
AB - Introduction: Individuals diagnosed with sickle cell anemia frequently manifest gastrointestinal abnormalities and feeding difficulties. Severe symptoms frequently result in a reduction of food intake, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies and negatively impact patients' quality of life. Moreover, the presence of abdominal pain, often precipitated by vaso-occlusive crises, can be exacerbated by concurrent symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition to cholelithiasis, this pain can worsen and lead to aplastic crises. Objective: To analyze the frequency of gastrointestinal and dietary symptoms in sickle cell anemia patients, detailing their probable consequences for nutritional status. Material and Method: An observational study was conducted on patients diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. Standardized instruments were used to assess gastrointestinal and dietary symptoms. The study's range of analysis encompassed various variables, including but not limited to: food acceptance, constipation, heartburn, and food allergies. The results of this examination were presented in terms of relative frequency. Results: The prevalence of symptoms and complications related to eating was observed in 61.04% of the patients, while constipation was reported by 51.95%. Moreover, 68.83% of the subjects reported experiencing difficulty in accepting certain foods, and 18.18% cited food allergies as a contributing factor. With respect to fiber intake, adequate levels were observed only in children, whereas intake was insufficient among adolescents and adults. Discussion: The results of the study indicate a high incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms, which have the potential to affect nutrient intake and absorption, thereby contributing to the development of nutritional deficiencies and the exacerbation of the clinical condition. These findings underscore the necessity of systematic assessment of these symptoms during multidisciplinary follow-up, particularly within the context of nutritional therapy. The identified deficiency in both adolescents and adults directly impacts gastrointestinal health, immune function, and glycemic control. These factors are critical to the management of sickle cell anemia. In addition, insufficient fiber intake has been demonstrated to affect the balance of the gut microbiota, which may result in systemic inflammation. Conclusion: Individuals diagnosed with sickle cell anemia frequently manifest gastrointestinal symptoms and feeding issues, including, but not limited to, reluctance to consume nourishment and constipation. Early detection of these changes can support personalized nutritional interventions, helping to prevent nutritional deficiencies and improve dietary adherence and quality of life.
SN - 2531-1379
SN - 2531-1387
ER -