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Outcomes of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in children with Sickle Cell Disease: Does donor Sickle cell trait status matter?

Bone Marrow Transplantation volume 60, pages 1060–1061 (2025)Cite this article

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Sickle cell disease (SCD) encompasses a group of inherited blood disorders caused by mutations in the beta-globin gene, resulting in the production of abnormal hemoglobin S (HbS). SCD is particularly prevalent in Saudi Arabia, with carrier rates as high as 27%, largely attributed to consanguineous marriages [1, 2]. SCD consists of various genetic forms, including homozygous HbSS, HbSC and compound heterozygous HbS-B0/+ states, all of which contribute to significant morbidity and mortality [3].

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is currently the only established curative treatment for SCD, with matched sibling donors (MSD) recognized as the gold standard [4,5,6,7]. While siblings with normal hemoglobin (HbAA) are often preferred as donors, those with sickle cell trait (HbAS), who carry one HbS allele but are asymptomatic, are also considered a viable donor option. The question of the quality of stem cells from HbAS donors is an important consideration, as previous studies have shown that these stem cells are safe for transplantation, with no significant adverse outcomes [8]. However, the comparative impact of HbAS versus HbAA donors on key transplant outcomes remains an area of ongoing investigation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oncology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Mohamed Bayoumy, Enass H. Raffa, Amal Alseraihy Alharbi, Ibraheem Abosoudah, Hassan Altrabolsi, Abdulatef Ahmed & Wasil Jastaniah

  2. Research Center Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box 7154, Jeddah, 23433, Saudi Arabia

    Mohamed Bayoumy

  3. Quality Management Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box 7154, Jeddah, 23433, Saudi Arabia

    Amany Orabe

  4. Critical Pharmacy Services Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box 7154, Jeddah, 23433, Saudi Arabia

    Marwa Elhadidy

  5. Department of Pediatrics, AlSalama Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Lamis Alkhateeb

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Contributions

MB conceived study. MB developed the proposal, and was responsible for the overall conduct of the study that included data collection, statistical analysis and manuscript writing. MB ensured the study was conducted in compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. ER and WJ aided MB with analysis, interpretation and writing of the manuscript and contributed to the final version of the manuscript. AA and IA contributed to the proof-reading of the final manuscript with critical feedback that assisted MB in finalizing the manuscript. AO assisted MB in data collection, validation and data management for the purposes of analysis and was instrumental in providing the missing data that assisted MB in conducting the final statistical analysis. HT, AA, ME, and LK assisted MB with the design and implementation of the research towards the interpretation of results and proof-reading.

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Correspondence to Mohamed Bayoumy.

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Bayoumy, M., Raffa, E.H., Alharbi, A.A. et al. Outcomes of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in children with Sickle Cell Disease: Does donor Sickle cell trait status matter?. Bone Marrow Transplant 60, 1060–1061 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41409-025-02572-8

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