Changes in the Pulmonary Functions of Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease: A Scoping Review

Background: Individuals with sickle cell disease (ISCD) are often subject to various changes in crucial health profiles with a consequent need for reduced physical activities, which could be as a result of their declining pulmonary functions. Few studies have systematically attempted to examine the changes in the pulmonary function of ISCD comprehensively.

Objective: The purpose of this review is to explore the changes in pulmonary functions of ISCD.

Methods: A scoping review comprising 36 studies was conducted to identify and examine the literature related to changes in the pulmonary functions of ISCD, and to compare how they correlate with their health profile.

Results: Most common changes cited were demographic factors (26 papers), followed by haematological indices (18 papers) followed by pulmonary complications (16 papers), and anthropometric values (13 papers), with the most common themes overall being age while FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC where the most outcome measures examined.

Conclusion: With current advances in medicine, the life expectancy of ISCD is on the increase. We conclude that an evidence-based therapy for pulmonary functions maintenance will be a valid and valuable care for ISCD. Further research must be done, mainly to focus on each health profile holistically.