Prevalence of Neuropathic Pain and Associated Factors in Nigerian Sickle Cell Disease Patients – A Cross Sectional Study

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hemoglobinopathy. Nigeria has the highest burden of disease worldwide. Despite the great burden, very little is known about neuropathic pain (NP) in SCD patients in Nigeria. The prevalence of NP in SCD patients in Nigeria is unknown. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted at two tertiary facilities in Nigeria: University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin and Ladoke Akintola University of technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. A total of 145 patients (85 from UITH, 60 from LAUTECH) were enrolled in the study. The painDETECT questionnaire was used to determine the presence of neuropathic pain in patients with SCD. Scores ≥ 13 were taken as evidence of NP. Results The mean age was 29.14 ± 12.53. The study showed that 29.7% of the patients have evidence of neuropathic pain. Age was significantly associated with NP among the patients. Performance Status (ECOG) was a predictor of NP. Conclusion Neuropathic pain is present among Nigerian SCD patients. Age and a number of factors were associated with NP in Nigerian SCD patients. The use of screening tools can help identify those that are at risk of NP and have them placed on neuropathic pain therapies.