Alterações do Neurodesenvolvimento em crianças com Doença Falciforme: Uma revisão sistemática.

Abstract

Sickle cell disease is one of the most common genetic alteration in the world. The disease progresses with microcirculatory changes, promoting the phenomenon of vaso-occlusion, which culminates in chronic and progressive tissue damage. One of the most affected areas is the central nervous system, which causes several mental disorders in individuals with the disease, such as cognitive impairment, decreased attention and executive ability. Thus, this review aims to analyze, through the literature review, the occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders in children less than or equal 10 years of age and diagnosed with sickle cell disease. A systematic literature review was performed by searching the PubMed, LILACS, SciELO and MEDLINE databases from August to September 2019. Were selected studies that addressed children less than or equal 10 years of age and diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Studies were found in the United States and the United Kingdom, all published in the English language. Neurodevelopmental disorders were more commonly found in children with sickle cell disease, especially those with high-risk genotypes. Several neurodevelopmental domains were affected, such as cognition, processing speed, expressive and receptive language, among others. Variables such as socioeconomic status and maternal education were negatively associated with neurodevelopmental decline in the group of children with the disease. Also, these children are more susceptible to neurodevelopmental disorders since early childhood. There are several variables that may be associated with these changes, ranging from disease-related biological factors to characteristics of the home environment. Thus, the inclusion of neurodevelopmental tests and screening methods in the clinical routine of these early childhood patients is essential.