Influence of Weather on Sickle Cell Disease Vaso-Occlusive Episodes and Acute Chest Syndrome: A Nationwide Sample Analysis

The clinical manifestations of sickle cell disease (SCD) result in significant morbidity and healthcare costs. The effect of weather as a risk factor for the development of vaso-occlusive episodes (VOEs) has been previously studied, although with variable results. The aim of our retrospective, nationwide study was to determine the association between weather patterns and pediatric VOE and acute chest syndrome (ACS). Demographic and clinical data were obtained between 2015 and 2022 from the Pediatric Health Information System and merged with weather data from the National Climatic Data Center. We observed a higher incidence of VOE and ACS admissions during the colder months. Results also revealed a negative association between VOE admissions and average temperature, whereas a positive association was found for ACS admissions. Medical providers should continue to counsel patients with SCD to take appropriate precautions during cold weather.