Ayşe DEMİRKOL GÖVCE, Gül İLHAN, İsmet Murat MELEK, Hasan KAYA
Acta Haematologica Oncologica Turcica - 2026;59(1):21-26
Aim: Pain in sickle cell disease (SCD) has traditionally been attributed to acute vaso-occlusive events; however, chronic pain with neuropathic features is increasingly recognized. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of neuropathic pain (NP) in adult patients with SCD and to evaluate its association with clinical and laboratory parameters. Methods: This cross-sectional observational survey included adult patients with SCD and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. NP was assessed using the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS), Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions (DN-4), and painDETECT questionnaires. Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and treatment-related variables were recorded and analyzed. Results: A total of 56 patients with SCD and 56 healthy controls were included. NP prevalence ranged from 33.9% to 50% depending on the assessment tool used. LANSS, DN-4, and painDETECT scores were significantly higher in patients with SCD compared with controls (p=0.001). No statistically significant associations were identified between NP and laboratory parameters; however, female sex (p=0.058), comorbidities (p=0.067), and frequent vaso-occlusive crises (p=0.060)showed trends toward higher NP prevalence. Conclusion: NP is highly prevalent in adults with SCD and represents an important component of the chronic pain phenotype. Routine assessment of NP using validated tools may improve individualized pain management strategies and patient outcomes.
