688 Original article https://doi.org/10.12980/apjtd.7.2017D7-55 ©2017 by the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease. All rights reserved. Major sickle cell syndromes in children in Kenitra, Morocco Khalid Hafiani 1* , Halima Bazoui 2* , Youssef El Madhi 3 , My Mustapha Hafid 4 , Youssef El Guamri 1,5 , Omar Amahmid 5,6 , Samira Marhabene 2 , Khadija El Kharrim 1 , Driss Belghyti 1 1 Laboratory of Biotechnology, Environment and Quality (LABEQ), Ibn Tofaïl University of Kenitra, Kenitra, Morocco 2 Department of Public Health Programs, Regional Direction of Health, Kenitra, Morocco 3 Department Life and Earth Sciences, Regional Centre of the Trades of Education and Training (CRMEF), Rabat, Morocco 4 Laboratory of Physical Engineering, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, Kenitra, Morocco 5 Department Life and Earth Sciences, Regional Centre of the Trades of Education and Training (CRMEF), Marrakesh, Morocco 6 Department of Biology, Laboratory of Hydrobiology, Ecotoxicology and Sanitation (LHEA), Parasitology and Aquatic Biodiversity, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Marrakesh, Morocco Asian Pac J Trop Dis 2017; 7(11): 688-690 Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease journal homepage: http://www.apjtcm.com *Corresponding author: Khalid Hafiani, Laboratory of Biotechnology, Environment and Quality (LABEQ), Faculty of Science, IbnTofail University, BP133, 14000 Kenitra, Morocco. Tel: +212661402570 E-mail: hafianikhalid@gmail.com Halima Bazoui, Department of Public Health Programs, Regional Direction of Health, Kenitra, Morocco. Tel: +212661928206 E-mail: halimabazoui@yahoo.fr The journal implements double-blind peer review practiced by specially invited international editorial board members. 1. Introduction Sickle-cell anemia is a blood related disorder that affects the hemoglobin molecule, and causes the entire blood cell to change shape under stressed conditions. It is a codominant autosomal disease due to the presence of abnormal hemoglobin Hb S. Sickle cell disease (SCD) has a worldwide distribution and Piel et al.[1] estimated that more than 300 000 babies were born with sickle cell anemia in 2010 with approximately 80% of these births occurring in low- or middle-income countries. Authors also reported large regional disparities in the occurrence of SCD sickle cell trait among newborns by race/ethnicity and place of birth[2]. The most common forms of SCD, include the homozygous form SS, the composite heterozygous form SC and the S beta thalassemia form with a significant prevalence of major forms SS[3]. In Morocco, information regarding the occurrence and epidemiology of hemoglobinopathies is very scarce and according to World Health Organization the rate of carriers in Morocco is about 6.5%, suggesting the existence of 30 000 cases of major forms[4]. The north-west of Morocco was reported to be a zone of predilection of hemoglobinopathies and the region of Gharb Chrarda Bni Hssen (GCBH), especially the province of Kenitra, seems to be one of the most affected areas and may be considered as a focus for the major form SCD[5]. The present study is designed to report the current mapping ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Objective: To highlight the epidemiological characteristics and plot the current mapping of the sickle cell syndromes in children under 15 years old. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted on children with sickle cell disease over a period of 4 years (from January 2011 to December 2015) at the Pediatric Department at El Idrissi Regional Hospital Center in Kenitra, Morocco. Results: The mean age of patients was (8.56 ± 3.97) years and the age group 6–15 years was the most affected. The male gender was the most dominant with 60.94% of cases versus 30.06% for females. The homozygous form SS was the most frequently identified (81.25% of cases) while the heterozygous form SC was rarely detected (2.08%). Conclusions: Sickle cell anemia remains a reality in Morocco and may not be perfectly understood yet by health professionals. A screening policy and a sustainable management program can prevent hemoglobinopathies in the studied region. An action plan must be implemented at national level to improve the quality of management of main sickle cell syndromes. Article history: Received 28 Mar 2017 Received in revised form 9 May, 2nd revised form 22 May, 3rd revised form 26 Aug 2017 Accepted 5 Sep 2017 Available online 24 Oct 2017 Keywords: Major sickle cell syndromes Children Homozygote Heterozygous Kenitra Morocco