Frequency of Cognitive Dysfunction and Its Correlation with Blood Pressure Levels in Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia

Abstract

Introduction:Cognitive dysfunction in patients with sickle cell anemia has been repeatedly documented, including deficits in intellectual functioning, attention, memory, executive function, and processing speed.Objective: To study cognitive function and blood pressure levels in patients with sickle cell anemia in Luanda, Angola.Material and Methods: An observational study was conducted including 61 patients with sickle cell anemia followed by the NGO EFATHA in Luanda, Angola.Blood pressure was measured three times on the arm in a seated position after 5 minutes of rest using a semi-automatic device (Omron, Japan).Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).Variable distribution was analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test; normally distributed variables were presented as mean and standard deviation, and categorical variables as frequencies and percentages.Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess correlations, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results:The sample consisted of young adults (27.5 7.9 years), predominantly women (62.9%), mostly single (82.3%), with relatively high education (13.9 3.6 years completed).Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 103.3 mmHg and 61.6 mmHg, respectively.More than two-thirds (71%) of participants exhibited cognitive dysfunction, and the prevalence of hypertension was 5%.A weak but significant negative correlation was observed between blood pressure levels and cognitive function. Conclusion:Cognitive dysfunction was highly prevalent among patients with sickle cell anemia and was negatively correlated with blood pressure levels.