A Systematic Review of Pulmonary Hypertension Prevalence and Predictors in Sickle Cell Disease: A Ghanaian Perspective from Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a recognised complication of sickle cell disease (SCD) linked to increased morbidity and mortality. Understanding its epidemiology within specific African clinical settings is essential for developing effective local healthcare strategies. This systematic review aimed to synthesise existing literature to determine the reported prevalence and identify key predictors of PH among patients with SCD attending the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Sickle Cell Clinic in Accra, Ghana. A systematic search of multiple electronic databases was conducted following established guidelines. Studies reporting the prevalence or predictors of PH in SCD patients from the specified clinic were eligible for inclusion. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. The systematic search did not identify any primary empirical studies meeting the inclusion criteria that were conducted specifically at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Sickle Cell Clinic. Consequently, no quantitative prevalence data or clinic-specific predictors could be synthesised. There is a notable absence of published primary research on PH prevalence and predictors from this major Ghanaian SCD clinic. This constitutes a significant evidence gap. Future research must prioritise local epidemiological studies at this centre. Prospective cohort or cross-sectional studies employing standardised echocardiographic and diagnostic protocols are needed to establish local prevalence rates and identify context-specific risk factors. Pulmonary hypertension, sickle cell disease, prevalence, predictors, Ghana, systematic review This review formally identifies and documents a critical evidence gap concerning PH in a principal Ghanaian SCD clinic, providing a clear rationale and direction for future local research to inform clinical practice.