Platelet Indices as Accessible Biomarkers for Risk Stratification in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease: A Kenyan Cohort Study

Main Points

High MPV and neutrophils with low PNR may act as accessible hematological signatures for VOC and ischemic stroke in pediatric SCD.

Platelet indices could serve as low-cost risk stratification tools for timely referrals in rural facilities with limited advanced imaging

Abstract

Sickle cell disease is a significant health challenge in Kenya, often associated with complications that result in 50-90% mortality if undiagnosed. This necessitates accessible phenotype-based biomarkers for risk stratification in resource-limited settings that handle majority of the SCD cases in the Kenyan population.