Rheumatic Manifestations of Haemoglobinopathies

Abstract

Purpose of the review: To provide a clinically useful literature review on the rheumatic manifestations of haemoglobinopathies, critically analysing the literature from the past 5 years.

Recent findings: There are limited new data to guide the management of rheumatic manifestations of haemoglobinopathies. Data further confirm the wide spectrum of potential rheumatic/MSK involvement in haemoglobinopathies, which poses both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Inflammatory arthritis may be more common than previously believed. Steroid therapy by any route of administration can provocate a potential life-threatening vaso-occlusive crisis. Vitamin D deficiency is common. There are limited data to guide the drug treatment of reduced bone density in haemoglobinopathies. There have been a number of studies examining pain in sickle cell anaemia. Plasma levels of Klotho may represent a novel biomarker in patients with β-Thalassemia. There are little new data on the rheumatic manifestations in haemoglobinopathies and future high-quality research is needed.

Keywords: Haemoglobinopathies; Manifestations; Musculoskeletal; Rheumatic; Sickle cell; Thalassaemia.