Association Between Lipid Profile and Clinical Manifestations in Sickle Cell Anemia: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic disease associated with frequent episodes of acute illness. Changes in the lipid profile and a chronic inflammatory process make up the molecular aspects observed in this disease. Associations between these mechanisms and clinical manifestations could thus define severity profiles and therapeutic strategies. Objectives: To verify whether there is an association between lipid profile and clinical manifestations in patients with SCA and if there is a correlation between lipid profile and laboratory markers in this disease. Methodology: According to the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of the literature was conducted by searching the MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. Articles were screened by reading the titles and abstracts, reaching those selected for full-text reading. The included studies were published between 2010 and 2020, were fully available in the databases, and addressed the proposed theme. The risk of individual bias was assessed by using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results: Out of the 144 identified articles, 15 were selected for analysis, resulting in a sample size of 2,230 individuals. HDL-C, LDL-C, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were the main variables analyzed in the lipid profiles. A correlation was observed between these variables and some of the most relevant clinical events in the disease, including vaso-occlusive seizures and acute thoracic syndrome. Conclusion: Lipid metabolism disorders, especially hypocholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, are linked to clinical events observed in SCA, suggesting they play a relevant role in the multifactorial pathogenesis of this disease.