Demographic Characteristics and ABO Blood Group Genotype Distribution among Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria

Background and Objective: Research emphasizes the significance of demographic data and ABO blood group genotypes in the effective management of sickle cell anemia. Unfortunately, there is a lack of such information for sickle cell anemia patients in Lagos, Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the demographic characteristics, ABO blood group genotypes and sickle cell genotypes of patients with sickle cell anemia in Lagos, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Data were collected using a structured checklist from the medical records of 170 sickle cell anemia patients who attended selected medical facilities in the city between January, 2024 and August, 2024. Results: The results revealed a predominance of patients aged 40 years and above (28.82%), followed by those in the 11-20 and 21-30 age groups (20.00% each). The male-to-female ratio was approximately 1:1. The O⁺ blood group genotype was the most common (24.71%), followed by A⁺ (23.53%), while AB‾ was the least prevalent (1.77%). Regarding disease severity, blood group O⁺ had the fewest severe cases, with 16 (38.10%) patients, while all patients with AB⁺ and AB‾ blood groups exhibited severe forms of the disease. The HbSS was the dominant sickle cell genotype, present in 90.14% of the patients. Conclusion: Based on these findings, efforts should be made to ensure an ample supply of O⁺ and A⁺ blood types in blood banks. Non O‾ blood groups should receive special attention, as they are associated with more severe forms of the disease. Medical practitioners should consider individual blood groups when planning treatment.