Factors associated with blood pressure variation in sickle cell disease patients: a systematic review and meta-analyses

Objectives Blood pressure (BP) values >= 120/70 mmHg considerably increase the risk of pulmonary hypertension and renal dysfunction in Sickle Cell Disease (CSD) patients and ultimately increased morbidity and mortality. This has led to the development of the term relative systemic hypertension (RSH). RSH was defined as Systolic BP 120-139 mm Hg or diastolic BP 70-89 mm Hg, whereas systemic hypertension is defined as Systolic BP >= 140 mm Hg or diastolic BP >= 90 mm Hg. Systematic identification of BP variations and risk factors in SCD patients could promote effective management. This review aimed to identify factors associated with BP variation among SCD patients. Methods We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to December 2020 with no geographical or language restrictions. Two reviewers independently screened and summarized data from eligible studies. Results Advancing age, gender, higher body weight, hemoglobin, eGFR, triglycerides, greater hematocrit, higher blood viscosity, history of blood transfusion, and targeted variants in DRD2 and MIR4301 genes were independently associated with the risk of hypertension in SCD patients. Conclusion Interventions that consider these risk factors may potentially contribute to lower BP pressure in SCD patients and prevent the development of severe complications.