Early presentation of Sickle Cell Disease in a two-month-old infant: A case report

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited haemoglobin disorder that commonly manifests clinically after the first six months of life due to the protective effects of fetal haemoglobin. Early symptomatic presentation in young infants is uncommon and may pose diagnostic challenges, particularly in settings where newborn screening programs are limited. We report the case of a two-month-old male infant from Pwani Region, Tanzania, who presented with severe anaemia and fever. Laboratory investigations revealed severe anaemia, evidence of haemolysis, and haemoglobin electrophoresis findings consistent with homozygous sickle cell disease (HbSS). The infant responded well to blood transfusion, supportive treatment, and subsequent comprehensive sickle cell care. This case highlights the importance of considering sickle cell disease in young infants presenting with anaemia and fever, even before the age at which symptoms are typically expected to occur. Early diagnosis and initiation of comprehensive care are essential to reduce morbidity and improve outcomes.