Prevalence and Clinical Determinants of Priapism Among Male Children With Sickle Cell Disease Seen at University of Benin Teaching Hospital Benin City

Abstract Background Priapism is a serious urological complication of sickle cell disease (SCD) that can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction if not promptly managed. Despite its clinical significance, data on the prevalence and clinical correlates of priapism among male children with SCD in Nigeria are limited. Objective To determine the prevalence, clinical pattern and risk factors of priapism among male children with SCD attending the university of Benin Teaching Hospital. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among male SCD children at Haematology clinic of UBTH. Sociodemographic, clinical and haematologic data were collected using structured questionnaires and medical records. Prevalence of priapism was calculated and participants were categorized based on the presence or absence of priapism. Associations with age. Packed cell volume (PCV), socioeconomic status and hydroxyurea use were analysed using independent t-tests, Chi-square tests and logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Out of 120 male children with SCD, 16 experienced priapism yielding a prevalence of 13.3% (95% CI: 8.3–20.6%). Patients with priapism were significantly older (mean 13.4 ± 3.2 years) and had lower PCV (23.4 ± 2.8%) compared to those without priapism (10.1 ± 4.4 years, 25.9 ± 2.6%; p < 0.01). Adolescents (≥ 12 years) and patients with PCV < 24% had higher odds of priapism (AOR = 3.81, 95% CI: 1.02–14.1; AOR = 4.72,95% CI: 1.51–14.8, respectively). Most episodes occurred in the early morning (75%) and lasted ≥ 4 hours (56%). Hydroxyurea use was not independently protective likely due to late initiation. Conclusion Priapism affects approximately one in eight male children with SCD at UBTH with adolescence and low PCV being major risk factors. Early identification at high- risk patients, prompt medical intervention and preventive strategies including early hydroxyurea therapy are recommended to reduce complications.