Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41673762›Full record

SynthesisSystematic reviews2026

Burden and outcomes of cardiovascular and pulmonary complications in adolescents and adults with sickle cell disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Natasha Mupeta Kaweme, Sahar Mounir Nagib Buttress, Arthemon Nguweneza, Cynthia Phiri, Takudzwa Joylyn Mtisi, Pauline Musukwa Sambo, Gwendoline Kandawasvika, Hamakwa Muluti Mantina, Patience Kuona, Catherine Mupela Chunda-Liyoka

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Systematic reviews, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Natasha Mupeta KawemeDepartment of Adult Haematology, University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia. tashkaweme@gmail.com.ORCID 0000-0002-2409-4502
Sahar Mounir Nagib ButtressDepartment of Adult Haematology, University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia.
Arthemon NguwenezaDivision of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
Cynthia PhiriDepartment of Paediatric Haematology, University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia.
Takudzwa Joylyn MtisiFaculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Pauline Musukwa SamboDepartment of Paediatric Haematology, University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia.
Gwendoline KandawasvikaFaculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Hamakwa Muluti MantinaDepartment of Adult Haematology, University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia.
Patience KuonaFaculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Catherine Mupela Chunda-LiyokaDepartment of Paediatric Haematology, University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia.

Funding

Sickle Africa Data Coordinating CenterU24HL135600 · NHLBI · UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN · PI MULDER, NICOLA, WONKAM, AMBROISE · 2017 to 2025
$8.6M
Sickle Hemoglobinopathy reseArch in Zimbabwe (SHAZ)U01HL156943 · NHLBI · COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIS UNIV OF ZIMBABWE · PI KUONA, PATIENCE · 2021 to 2025
$904k
NHLBI NIH HHS 1U24HL135881NHLBI NIH HHS U01 HL156943NHLBI NIH HHS U24HL135600
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder associated with chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary complications, including pulmonary hypertension (PHT), venous thromboembolism (VTE), and cardiac involvement (CI), all of which contribute significantly to premature mortality. Despite their clinical importance, the burden of these conditions in adolescents and adults with SCD remains poorly characterized.

methodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prevalence and impact of these complications in SCD patients aged ≥ 10 years. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for observational studies reporting prevalence or incidence. We did not apply any date or time restrictions to the literature search. Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis.

resultsThe studies yielded from the search were published between January 1, 1974, and October 12, 2023. Seventy-nine studies met the inclusion criteria, of which fifty-nine were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence estimates were as follows: PHT 30% (95% CI 26-34), VTE 13% (9-18), and CI 24% (17-33), with substantial heterogeneity (I

conclusionChronic cardiovascular and pulmonary complications are highly prevalent in adolescents and adults with SCD, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Routine screening and early intervention are essential to mitigate disease progression and improve outcomes. Future research should focus on standardized diagnostic criteria and targeted therapies to reduce the burden of these conditions in SCD. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023474623.

Indexed as

Anemia, Sickle CellCardiovascular DiseasesHypertension, PulmonaryLung DiseasesVenous ThromboembolismAdolescentAdultHumansPrevalenceBurdenChronic diseasesHealth outcomesIncidencePrevalenceSickle cell disease

Identifiers

PMID41673762
PMCPMC13023195

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.